HC Deb 02 July 1969 vol 786 cc427-8
38. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to appoint a Select Committee on Defence, in view of the recommendation by the Select Committee on Science and Technology.

Mr. Peart

I have carefully noted my hon. Friend's suggestion. I do not, however, anticipate any further new Specialist Select Committees this Session.

Mr. Dalyell

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that there are many issues of an extremely complex nature facing this country, such as the dumping of chemical weapons in the sea, multi-rôle combat aircraft, which simply do not lend themselves to Question and Answer, or, indeed, to verbose debate? They are very definitely matters which affect this country, and would be properly dealt with by a Select Committee.

Mr. Peart

I am aware of this, but I cannot go beyond what I have said.

Mr. Goodhew

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the original supplementary question mean that he does not rule out the possibility of such arrangements next Session?

Mr. Peart

I have already said that we must wait to see how these Committees work out. I have always been in favour of this kind of approach. I have never been opposed to the idea. I am not a reactionary on this, but I think we should be sensible and wait to see how this form of Committee develops, and then we will come to a decision, which we must report to the House, and it will be for Parliament, in the end, to decide.