HC Deb 17 January 1945 vol 407 cc155-6
46. Sir O. Simmonds

asked the Prime Minister whether, before deciding upon the recent addition of 250,000 men to the United Kingdom combatant troops, discussions took place with those of our Allies who are less heavily mobilised, with a view to examining whether it would be more advantageous to the Allied war effort that these extra troops should be provided from sources other than the United Kingdom.

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir.

Sir O. Simmonds

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that the extent of their mobilisation, as shown in the White Paper on the British war effort, indicates that this unilateral procedure cannot succeed much longer? Would he see that there is some consultation with regard to Allied man-power, in the same way as there is in regard to Allied material resources?

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the importance of keeping British units up to full strength?

Sir Herbert Holdsworth

Will the Government make such representations as are asked for in the Question before even thinking of sending women abroad?