§ 54. Major Lyonsasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the experiences of 1939 and recent divergent statements, he can now make a pronouncement upon the principles to be adopted in carrying out demobilisation, subject of course to over-riding national exigencies; and whether steps are being taken to reach co-ordination of view and system with the Dominions and Colonies in this connection?
§ The Prime MinisterUpon the first part of the Question, I cannot at present add anything to the statement made on 23rd September in reply to Questions on this subject. As regards co-ordination of demobilisation arrangements with the rest of the Empire, I doubt whether, in view of the widely differing circumstances and differing conditions of enlistment, complete uniformity is either necessary or desirable, but as soon as we have reached provisional conclusions as to our own arrangements we shall of course communicate them to the other Governments concerned.
Mr. BellenǵerIn view of my right hon. Friend's active participation in such matters in the last war while the war was going on, will he give the House an opportunity of hearing something about the Government's provisional plans at an early date?
§ The Prime MinisterWhen the new Session begins there will be an oppor- 708 tunity of discussing all these matters in the Debate in reply to the Gracious Speech, which is the main occasion of the year, and I cannot forecast in any way what, if any, announcements the Government will have to make.