§ 16. Sir John Mellorasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to obtain more reliable information and to prevent training time being devoted to rehearsals for inspections, he will instruct general officers that their visits to units should so far as possible be surprise visits?
§ Mr. SandysSurprise visits are already encouraged, and the considerations referred to by my hon. Friend are fully appreciated.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the Minister bear in mind that, when notice is given to the unit, much time is spent in window-dressing?
§ Mr. SandysMy own view is that surprise visits are, on the whole, more useful, but certain advantages are obtained from occasional pre-arranged inspections.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallIs it possible to stop officers in command of units from making the men blanco their gas respirators before an inspection, as this not only damages the respirator cases but is a sheer waste of time?
§ Mr. SandysI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on that subject in the recent Debate on the Army Estimates.