DEMOBILISATION SYSTEM (Hansard, 21 November 1945)

§ 47. Mr. Garry Allighan
asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the dissatisfaction in the Forces, industry and the general public, he will move for the appointment of a Select Committee to review the existing demobilisation system, to report on the causes of delay and to make recommendations to expedite the release to industry and civilian life of a larger number of Service men and women than are at present scheduled.

§ Mr. H. Morrison
No, Sir. Decisions on these matters should be taken by Ministers responsible to Parliament.

§ Mr. Allighan
Can we be assured that the Prime Minister is quite satisfied with the method of working of the demobilisation scheme, or has he some other method of reviewing it?

§ Mr. Morrison
There are plenty of methods of reviewing it. The only question raised in this Question was whether it should be dealt with by a Select Committee of Parliament. The view of my right hon. Friend is that that would be unwise.

§ Mr. Hogg
Surely because a Select Committee of Parliament is only appropriate when the House of Commons is gravely displeased with His Majesty's Government?

§ Mr. Morrison
We have no reason to believe that the House of Commons is gravely displeased with His Majesty's Government. What we do know is that the hon. Gentleman is displeased with his own Front Bench.