HC Deb 21 May 1946 vol 423 cc166-7
7. Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cause to be published the names of the commanders and staff officers of the principal commands and formations of the Army and of the War Office; and whether he will also make known the present stations of battalions and equivalent units of the Army, both at home and abroad.

Mr. Lawson

In effect, the hon. and gallant Member is asking that a periodical Army List, containing the information referred to in the Question, may once more be put on sale to the public. The time has not yet come when the publication of what used to be the Monthly Army List can be resumed. Apart from other considerations, the Army is at present undergoing a considerable reorganisation, and units are being moved with such frequency that any published information would be largely out of date by the time it was published. So far as the names of Army commanders are concerned, the Press are now being informed about appointments of major-generals and higher ranks.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complaint, and there is a complaint, would be very largely met if, without even publishing the Army List, he were to publish a list of the principal units and formations and their stations? Is there any reason why that should not be published at least monthly, even without a list of every officer?

Mr. Lawson

I will have a look at the point, but it would seem that the quick turnover would make the list out of date before it was published.