§ 19. Major Cecil Pooleasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why it is now considered necessary to form a Movements Directorate of the Admiralty when the war is over, seeing that all naval movement during the war was adequately performed without such an organisation.
Mr. AlexanderThe war showed the need for centralised control of the movement of personnel and freight, and after a very full inquiry early in the year, I decided to set up a Movements Directorate on lines generally similar to those of the Directorates of Movement in the War Office and Air Ministry. The Director assumed office in June, and the Directorate is manned almost entirely by staff transferred from the various Departments which had previously handled these matters.
§ Major PooleIs the First Lord really not aware that the creation of this organisation could not possibly be justified, and that it is plainly and simply the com- 387 mencement of another racket to justify the creation of high-ranking appointments, nothing more and nothing less?
Mr. AlexanderI dealt with this matter myself in the earlier part of the year, and there is really no foundation for the impression which my hon. and gallant Friend has. In fact, it is already leading to economies in staff.
§ Major PooleThen may I ask the First Lord how itcomes about that when I suggested he should have this form of organisation early in the war, he Was most emphatic that it was not necessary? While I am on my feet, may 1 give notice, Mr. Speaker, that in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment?
§ Mr. SpeakerNothing more can be said when notice of an Adjournment has been given.