HC Deb 19 January 1943 vol 386 cc31-2
46. Major Lyons

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the changed and intensified conditions, he will consider the appointment of an inspector-general of man-power for each of the three Services, so as to ensure the more effective substitution, transference, and utilisation of man-power and economy of personnel?

Mr. Attlee

I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend on the great and growing importance of this question, but I am not clear in what respect his proposal would improve on present arrangements. The appropriate members of the Board of Admiralty, the Army Council and the Air Council have, in their respective Services, the responsibilities he mentions, and as their problems differ so does their machinery for solving them.

Major Lyons

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear in mind the great wastage of man-power existing now, in the fourth year of the war, and whether he will take some action for each of these Services to deal with their particular problems? The wastage is enormous.

Mr. Attlee

Action has already been taken. There has been a very close review of the man-power problem in regard to all the Services.

Major Lyons

Can the right hon. Gentleman say briefly what, if anything, has been done in regard to the three great Fighting Services?

Mr. Attlee

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a Question down.