DEFENCE EXPENDITURE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 244, 12 October 1917, Page 2

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE.

j coinnssiox of inquiry. ' (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") 1 "WELLINGTON, this day. The House at once showed its approI val to-day when the Prime. Minister stated that it is intended to set up a j Commission to inquire into tbe details |of Defence expenditure. The matter | was raised by Mr. C. .1. Parr, who said that there was a good deal of discussion, in the House and country, over the huge monthly expenditure of £2,200,000. He hoped the Premier would give the House lan opportunity of discussing the matter, 1 and u?Kcd whether Cabinet was prepared to establish a Board of Control. Mr. Massey replied that if it were possible for a Parliamentary Committee to deal with the matter this session he j would be pleased to refer it to them. i Mr. Witty: When will the session end? | Mr. Massey: It depends on members themselves. Sometimes T think the end is getting further away than ever. I believe it will be over by Saturday fortnight. I doubt whether it will be possible for a Parliamentary Committee to do justice to tbe important questions that will be raised. A member: There ought to be a permanent board. Mr. Massey: The Government is considerins the question of setting up a Commission to go into the whole question of Defence expenditure. (Hear, hear.l We have so much work before' Cabinet that it has not been reached, but a decision will be arrived at before the sess'on er.us.