HC Deb 02 April 1940 vol 359 cc4-5
4. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complications caused in the Ministry of Supply, and other Departments, by the introduction of military ranks and etiquette into the affairs of civilian administration; and whether he is prepared to arrange that officers carrying out duties in civil administrative positions will conform to the civilian dress, manners and customs common to such duties?

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

I am not aware of the complications to which the hon. Member refers. Officers serving with the Forces but employed in Government Departments occupy military and not civil posts, though a number of officers on the reserve are employed on civil duties, in which case they conform to the ordinary conditions of civil employment.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister not aware that certain of the civilian offices, like the Ministry of Supply, do introduce invidious distinctions by some people acting in a military capacity and others acting in a civil capacity, and would he not agree that in such cases it would be advisable that the whole office should be worked on a homogeneous pattern?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot agree with that. It is usual in any Service Department, such as the War Office, that a large proportion of those engaged are officers and the rest civilians.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Does the right hon. Gentleman take the view that there is any administrative advantage in military officers, as such, functioning in civilian posts in a civilian Department? If so, what is the administrative advantage?

Mr. Stanley

There are civilian Departments with sections intimately connected with the War Office, as in the Ministry of Supply, and who deal with military matters. There are thus advantages in a certain number of posts being filled by officers.