HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 cc552-3
14. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the majority of the members of the Cairo Parliament have decided to take no part in the new Army Education Corps controlled "Forces Forum" on the ground that they would have no right of choice in the subjects of discussion; and, in view of this, will he reconsider the whole question of a Forces Parliament.

Sir J. Grigg

I have no knowledge of the details of the instructions issued by the local commander. The answer to the last part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that there is no resemblance whatever between the Forces forum and the parliament that existed and that at a meeting of the forum, following the suppression of the parliament, there were one member of the A.T.S. and three other ranks? Further, is he aware that the Forces' general opinion, with which I cordially agree, is that the Minister is being "kidded" by the officer commanding, who is responsible for the suppression of this parliament?

Mr. Shinwell

Could the Minister say why it was necessary to interfere with these Forces' parliaments in Cairo or elsewhere and the political aspirations of men in the Forces? Can we be assured that the right hon. Gentleman is not allowing Ministerial impartiality to be influenced by personal political prejudice?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not know what the last part of the hon. Member's supplementary question means. To the best of my belief there is no political prejudice in the Commander-in-Chief in Cairo, who is concerned with the administration and the discipline of the Forces. As regards the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary, I gave a very long answer, I think last week, showing why it was necessary to make this alteration. As regards the supplementary question of the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher), I have not the slightest doubt that the new conditions have removed some of the undesirable factors which prevailed in a previous institution.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Is it not a fact that these troubles and difficulties only occur in places like Cairo, and that where troops are actively employed there is no trouble of any kind or sort?

Mr. Loverseed

Would not the Minister agree that a parliament such as this, attended by such large numbers, provides a healthy training ground?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is expressing an opinion, and not asking for information.

Mr. Edgar Granvillel

Is the Minister aware that one of his predecessors was removed from office for attempting to democratise the Army; and does it not appear that there is still someone at the War Office who is afraid of democracy?

Sir Herbert Williams

Will my right hon. Friend grant this privilege to this parliament at Cairo: that it should be permitted to meet as frequently as the supreme Soviet, and have the same choice of subjects as members of the supreme Soviet?

Mr. Gallacher

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the numbers who are attending?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not know the numbers.

Mr. Shinwell

Do we understand that the right hon. Gentleman agrees with the proposal which has just been made by the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams), because he seemed to approve? Will he get up and say what he thinks about it? What is he afraid of?

Mr. Loverseed

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.