HC Deb 17 June 1947 vol 438 cc1782-3
37. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that units in the Sierra Leone and Gambia area have been informed that the reinforcement situation in the United Kingdom is extremely bad at the moment and that it will frequently be necessary for tour-expired officers and other ranks to serve for some considerable time over their 18 months tour; and if he will, therefore, make a further statement on the reinforcement position for West Africa Command.

Mr. Bellenger

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir." As regards the second, the reinforcement position in the West African Command is peculiar in that their requirements are all for experienced officers and non-commissioned officers. These are just the type which are in short supply as a result of the release scheme. Nevertheless, substantial numbers have been, and are being drafted, and I hope that it will not be necessary to retain many, if any, officers or noncommissioned officers after their tour expires.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is the Minister aware that in a reply on 6th May he told me that provision had been made for the replacement of all personnel requested by the Command, and is he further aware that, on 28th June, notification, as outlined in the first part of my Question, was given to the units in the area concerned? Will he give an assurance now that all provision has been made to meet the requests of the Command?

Mr. Bellenger

The situation changes from day to day. West African Command is only one of the Commands which we have to reinforce.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the maximum period a man is likely to be delayed through the extension of the normal period of service in that theatre?

Mr. Bellenger

As I said in the last part of my reply, I hope it will be possible that none will be delayed. At any rate, I hope very few indeed will be delayed.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Why does the right hon. Gentleman use the words "in short supply" when he means "scarce"?

Mr. Bellenger

Whichever the hon. and learned Gentleman pleases.