HC Deb 23 July 1940 vol 363 c573
48. Mr. Liddall

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a committee similar to the Geddes Committee, with full authority to investigate the staffing of all existing Ministries; the findings of the Committee to be published at an early date?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

My hon. Friend will be aware that a Select Committee on National Expenditure was appointed by the House on 12th December last, to examine expenditure on services connected with the war and to report on economies. The investigations of this Committee covered staffing matters in all the principal Departments, and reports have been, and will, I have no doubt, continue to be, made.

Mr. Liddall

Is the Prime Minister aware that the decisions are arrived at on documentary evidence, whereas a committee on the lines of the Geddes Committee, as favoured by many prominent personages outside this House, would be able to visit the various Ministries and see for itself?