HC Deb 17 January 1945 vol 407 cc156-7
48. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to equalise the period of overseas service between the Services, he will consider some reallocation of man-power as between the R.N., the Army and the R.A.F.

Mr. Attlee

Every opportunity will be taken to reduce the time of service overseas for the Army but there is, I regret, no hope of achieving this by transfers from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. Hon. Members will be aware of the figures given by the Secretary of State for War in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Raikes) on 19th December. Such transfers as are now to be carried out are intended to increase the striking power of the Army.

Mr. Hogg

Having regard to the statement about re-allocation which was made over the wireless during the Recess, cannot my right hon. Friend tell us a little more about what re-allocation is taking place and what the purpose of it is if it is not to equalise the period of overseas service?

Mr. Attlee

The hon. Member had better put that down.