35. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difficulties that senior officers in the Army have had over a period of years in obtaining sympathetic co-operation from the civil side of the War Office administration; and will he consider, in the interests of the Army, of so reorganising his Department that financial decisions within the Department are taken by men who have had active experience of modern Service life.
Sir J. GriģģI cannot for one moment accept the suggestion contained in this Question. From my own knowledge and experience I can say without hesitation that it is quite contrary to the facts. A spirit of collaboration and good will exists, and is recognised by military and civilian staff alike to exist, throughout the office.
Miss WardWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that a great deal of the dissatisfaction against the War Office arises as a result of its present lack of internal organisation?
Sir J. GriģģI can only repeat my original answer. My hon. Friend is quite mistaken in supposing that there is a lack of internal organisation. There is extremely good organisation.
§ Sir I. AlberyIs it not a fact that a high official of the Civil Service is now attached to every Army Command?
Sir J. GriģģCertainly to every Command in this country and to some of those abroad, although I am not quite sure whether to all Commands abroad.