§ 2. Mr. Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can more fully indicate the work and functions to be performed by the members of the newly appointed Business Advisory Committee; whether they will be empowered to consider the general administration of commands and other formations; whether they are to receive, as well as make, representations of departmental character; and whether they will be able to consider and recommend upon financial expenditure and the systems employed thereon as well as on other arrangements of the War Department.
§ Mr. EdenThe terms of reference are widely drawn so as to allow of an examination over the whole field of organisation and procedure, including, of course, such matters as those which my hon. and learned Friend has in mind. But, as my hon. and learned Friend will appreciate, the Committee will not be expected to concern itself with individual cases. I would emphasize that the Committee is a Standing Committee and that it is intended that it should remain in existence as part of the organisation of the War Office at least for the duration of the war.
§ Mr. LyonsWhile fully appreciating that the Committee cannot concern themselves with too many details, will any question of principle in relation to financial systems now being carried out be within the province of this Committee, and will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Committee to visit commands and, if necessary take the views of smaller formations upon the departmental methods in force?
§ Mr. BellengerCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be any report from this Committee to this House and whether it will be possible for individual Members, either those at present serving or ex-service to give evidence or make suggestions?
§ Mr. EdenNo, Sir, there will not be any report to this House; the report will be made to the Secretary of State for War. But that does not preclude any evidence being given by Service Members or, I may add, my receiving any representations that hon. Members are good enough to make.
§ Mr. LyonsWill this Committee be open to consider representations direct, or should the representations go to the Secretary of State for War?
§ Sir John MellorWill the Committee endeavour to reduce the amount of paper work which is necessary in battalion orderly rooms and company offices?
§ Mr. EdenThat is precisely one of the matters into which the Committee will 1099 inquire, but I have already instituted other methods by which I hope the same results will be achieved.