HC Deb 02 March 1932 vol 262 cc1105-6
38. Sir A. KNOX

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider in the interests of economy and efficiency the reorganisation of the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry into a single Ministry of Defence?

Mr. BALDWIN

I would invite the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to paragraph 200 of the report of the Committee on National Expenditure of 24th July, 1931, in which the Committee advise that no substantial reduction of cost would follow from the creation of a Ministry of National Defence, and that, on the contrary, there would be a serious risk that the efficiency of the Services might be impaired by the alteration of system involved. In these circumstances it is not proposed to take the steps my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

Sir A. KNOX

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the French Government have recently reorganised their three Ministries into a Ministry of Defence? Will he appoint an ad hoc commission to go into the whole question?

Mr. BALDWIN

My hon. and gallant Friend may have it in his recollection that this matter has been very closely investigated by more than one Government since the War, and there has been a long discussion on it in the House. I am not at present of opinion that there is need for any change. The subject can always be raised on the appropriate Vote, and I shall always be glad to meet the question if it is ever raised again.