§ 24. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for keeping secret the report on the investigation into the cost of the Cove militia camps, having regard to the fact that the actual cost of the camps was between two and three times the estimate, and that, on 11th July, the figures were promised shortly?
§ Captain MargessonI would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on 17th December to his Question and Supplementary Questions on this subject.
§ Mr. StokesArising out of that reply, which was completely unsatisfactory, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman acquaint himself with the fact that contractors, other people who have complained, and the people who were engaged independently on the construction of these camps, are not satisfied with the investigation that has been made; and that the committee are not empowered to examine evidence on oath or hear witnesses on the evidence brought before them?
§ Captain MargessonI understand that the Select Committee has asked the War Office to provide certain figures, in a form which will be most useful to them in carrying out their investigation. Those figures are now being compiled, and they will be given to the Select Committee.
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his predecessor promised that the matter should not be hushed up, and will he confirm that promise?
§ Captain MargessonI understand that one of my predecessors—not my last predecessor—said that he was prepared to answer questions on the subject. I also am fully prepared to answer questions.