§ 56. Mr. Benn Levyasked the Minister of Labour if he will continue the January rate of demobilising over 100,000 men a week until the Armed Forces have been reduced to 1,100,000, which is the target for 31st December, even if it means reaching that target before December.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the recent White Paper on Defence and to the statement made by the Prime Minister in the Debate on Defence Policy on 4th March.
§ Mr. LevyWill not my right hon. Friend explain to the House and more particularly to the un-demobilised men, what are the precise reasons why a force considered sufficient for the protection of the country in December should be regarded as insufficient in June?
§ Mr. IsaacsI must repeat that I have nothing to add to the statement already made.
§ Mr. WarbeyCan the Minister say whether the extra commitments on 30th June, 1946, as above those on 31st December. 1946. are such as to require the additional services of 800,000 men and women?
§ Mr IsaacsIf my hon. Friends will look at the statement to which I have referred, I think they will find their questions are answered.