§ 40. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for the prolonged delay in the publication of the Willingdon Report; and whether he can now give the date of publication?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMy hon. and gallant Friend has, perhaps, overlooked the statement which I made in this House on 28th July, announcing comprehensive improvements in the Army officer's career and terms of service. This announcement covered a wider field than the investigation of Lord Willingdon's Committee, and it explained that the shortage of officers into which the Committee inquired had, by reason of certain other reforms, ceased to exist. In the circumstances, it would be confusing and would clearly serve no practical purpose to publish the report in question. I have already expressed my gratitude to the Committee for their painstaking work and the valuable material which they marshalled.