asked the Minister for Defence when it is proposed to conclude the taking of evidence before the Army Inquiry, and whether adequate notice will be given so that persons who may have the intention of giving evidence, and who have no knowledge as to when the inquiry will conclude, may have an opportunity of submitting their evidence before the conclusion of the inquiry?
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTIONS. - THE ARMY INQUIRY.
The Army Inquiry Committee is a body over which I exercise neither control nor supervision, and the matter is one for that Committee, and I can take no responsibility whatever for giving any notice of any kind whatever.
Would it be possible for the President to convey to the members of the Committee that there are, as I understand, certain persons, who have not had an opportunity of giving evidence and who are willing to give evidence, and who are at present preparing their evidence, but who are now afraid that the opportunity might not be granted to them in the event of the Inquiry closing before they are ready?
The Committee has been sitting now for a considerable time. It was open to any person who volunteered to give evidence before the Committee. I am informed that the Committee would receive evidence up to Wednesday next, possibly Thursday, but I do think it is unfair to ask them indefinitely to postpone the taking of evidence having regard to the publicity that is attached to the Inquiry and to the fact that the Committee has sat for a considerable time.
I think I can take it for granted that if the Committee sits until Wednesday or Thursday that the evidence will be in time.
Very good.