§ 26. Mr. Hannahasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any plans for making the post-war Army a means of providing training and general education for soldiers; and possibly, under conditions approved by the trade unions, utilising the military for carrying out public works, especially the provision of houses?
§ Sir J. GriggI am not clear whether in speaking of the post-war Army the hon. Member means the Army as it will be after the defeat of Germany and before that of Japan or whether he means the Army as it will be after the defeat of both. If he means the second I think that it is too soon to have definite plans in the sense he suggests, but I can definitely say that a great deal of study on these and many other points is going on. If, however, he means the former I must make it quite clear that the over-riding purpose of the Army will be the defeat of Japan at the earliest possible moment. Subject to that I can assure him that the needs of the Army by way of training and education are being and will be a matter of prime concern to the Army Council. Nor will possibilities such as that referred to in the second part of the Question be overlooked.
§ Mr. HannahOn account of the great complexity and the immense importance of this question, I beg leave to give notice that I will raise it on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.