46. Lieut.-Colonel Dowerasked the Prime Minister what the future postwar strength of the Services will be.
§ The Prime MinisterFor some time to come, the size of our Forces will be governed by the occupational and other commitments which are the aftermath of the war. We shall also have to sec what obligations we shall be called upon to assume in support of the United Nations Organisation, and to study the effect of new discoveries on the general structure of our Armed Forces. It is thus too early to say what the ultimate postwar strength of the Services will be.
Lieut.-Colonel DowerWhile I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, will he bear in mind that, while this delay is going on, the Services are losing some very good men who would otherwise stay on?
§ The Prime MinisterI am well aware of that, but, of course, we cannot wait for giving some assurance to the Services before we settle the matter, and it is under consideration with special reference to the point which the hon. and gallant Member has raised.