HC Deb 05 December 1946 vol 431 cc501-2
46. Mr. Stephen

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that, when the Financial Secretary to the War Office visited Irwin Stadium Camp, General Headquarters, New Delhi, India, recently and addressed the men at the camp, no opportunity was given to the men of discussing their difficulties with the Minister, or representing their views with regard to delayed demobilisation; and whether he will direct that, in future, on such occasions the men in the Services shall be given the opportunity of putting forward their grievances or difficulties to the visiting Minister.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

I have been asked to reply. The Financial Secretary to the War Office is at present visiting the principal commands overseas, to find out what progress has been made and what difficulties are being met in achieving peacetime standards for the Army. I am sure he is taking every opportunity to inform himself of the views of the men in the commands he visits. But his programme is necessarily very crowded, and I can well understand that it may not be possible for him to answer individually all the questions the men would like to put to him.

Mr. Stephen

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that he will not be able to get to know what is the reaction of the men unless there is some consultation with the men in the Forces?

Mr. Bellencer

I have complete confidence in my hon. Friend to deal with situations like this. I am quite sure that when he comes back and is able to tell me his impressions they will be most valuable indeed.

Mr. Stokes

Should it not be an invariable rule that when Ministers address public meetings of that kind, particularly of soldiers, there should be at least, a small opportunity for asking questions, otherwise a totally wrong impression is created?

Mr. Bellenger

No, Sir. The purpose of my hon. Friend's visit is not to address public meetings. It is to inform himself of conditions.

Mr. Turton

Will the Minister bear in mind the example set by his predecessor, who went to South-East Asia Command, where he had public meetings, where questions were asked and answers to the questions given; and is not that a very valuable practice, which perhaps could be followed?

Mr. Bellenger

When my right hon. Friend went out he visited a very limited area, S.E.A.C. My hon. Friend is visiting quite a number of areas, and he has only a limited time to spend in each. I am quite sure that when he comes back and is able to, as I hope he will be able to, give hon. Members his impressions of that visit, they will be satisfied.