§ 13. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Manpower Economy Committee have advised him how manpower economies may be achieved; in what way he has acted on the advice received; and whether he is satisfied with the results obtained.
§ Mr. ShinwellThis Committee has submitted a first interim report, which is under consideration.
§ Mr. A. R. W. LowWas it as the result of information from this Committee that the right hon. Gentleman suggested on Sunday that the best way to economise on manpower was for the three Services to be combined?
§ Mr. ShinwellI made a statement to that effect, but I never used the word "combine" in regard to the three Services, and I am not responsible for what appears in one or two newspapers.
§ Mr. CooperWhen the Minister is reviewing the matter of manpower will he take into account the 17,000-odd Polish Army forces still being kept in idleness by his Department?
§ Mr. ShinwellThere are never any persons kept in idleness for whom employment can be found.
§ Major Legge-BourkeCan the right hon. Gentleman give an indication of what is in this interim Report?
§ Mr. ShinwellNot without notice.