HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 c9
16. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War why skilled engineers of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps are spending their time doing ceremonial drill, route marching, farming, etc., in view of the appeals being made for increased output in industry: and, in view of the moral effect on the men, will he take steps to see that their services are used to better advantage?

Mr. Eden

I do not know of any such cases as my hon. Friend refers to, but if he has any information on the subject, I shall be glad if he will let me have it. He will appreciate, however, that the circumstances in which the British Expeditionary Force returned to this country resulted in considerable dispersion of units, and interruption of normal employments. On reorganisation, which is being effected as rapidly as possible, tradesmen will be appropriately employed.

Mr. Smith

If I furnish the right hon. Gentleman with some evidence of this, will he give an undertaking that the men's names will not be divulged?

Mr. Eden

No possible harm would come to the men on that account.