§ 18. Major Nieldasked the Secretary of State for War whether, following the representation made to him on 20th April, 1943, he will forthwith call for volunteers to form the military Forces or part of those Forces necessary for the occupation or policing of such areas overseas as may have to be occupied or policed after the war, in order to release Army personnel who have served abroad either to home establishment or to civilian employment as soon as possible?
§ Sir J. GriggMy hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion has been carefully considered, but I am afraid there are great objections to adopting his suggestion now. It will, no doubt, be considered in the future, in the light of our commitments the world over.
§ Major NieldI regard this matter as of such importance, from the point of view of overseas troops, that I would respectfully say that I disagree with the right hon. Gentleman. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order."] Is my right hon. Friend aware, after six weeks' consideration of this matter, that there are numbers of people who desire to volunteer for such service as I have suggested in the Question?
§ Sir J. GriggThere may be numbers of people who desire to volunteer, but I am quite clear that this is not a solution to this extremely difficult problem, which will have to be tackled, but I think in other ways from that suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Major NieldI regret that, as the answer is unsatisfactory, I shall have to raise the matter on the Adjournment.