HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 cc986-8
11. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the purpose of the visit to the U.S.A. of Major-General C. H. H. Vulliamy, Director of Signals at the War Office.

Mr. Shinwell

The Director of Signals is visiting the United States of America at the invitation of the United States Department of the Army. It is intended that he should visit American signal units and establishments, with a view to gaining first-hand knowledge of the organisation, operations and procedures of the Corps of Signals, United States Army.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to give the House a review now of the outcome of the adventures of this procession of high-ranking officers who have gone to America, and to which I have drawn his attention in the past?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot imagine that it can do either the United States or the United Kingdom any harm to have these visits.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Is it not quite unusual, Mr. Speaker, for hon. Members of this House to criticise, or otherwise comment on the executive functions which officers of the Services carry out?

Mr. Speaker

I quite agree that it is unusual, but perhaps these constant criticisms do not carry much weight.

Mr. Platts-Mills

On a point of Order. Do I understand from what you have just said, Sir, that it is assumed that there was some criticism involved in my Question? Upon my word, none was intended. If you have the feeling that every Question I ask about an officer of this sort is meant to be a criticism of that officer then, with the utmost respect, I suggest that your view is quite unfounded.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member may think that, but he must be aware that in all these Questions there is some kind of innuendo which, after all, is not right. Imputations and innuendoes are not in Order in asking supplementary questions, and, therefore, I made the remark that I did.

Brigadier Rayner

Is the Minister aware that at one time I was one of Major-General Vulliamy's most efficient deputies, and that I am in a position to know that this distinguished and experienced officer can do more good in six weeks in the United States, in matters of technical research, contacts and friendly liaison with America, than the hon. Member for Finsbury (Mr. Platts-Mills) could do in six years?

Mr. Shinwell

I would not dare to quarrel with the hon. and gallant Member's appraisement either of himself or Major-General Vulliamy.

Mr. Vernon Bartlett

Have any similar invitations been received by British officers from Moscow?

Mr. Shinwell

If a Question is put down on that point, I will try to answer it.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not rather strange that a Socialist Government should be sending so many of its military representatives to America to get instruction from the most ruthless capitalist Government which the world has ever seen?

Mr. W. J. Brown

Is it not equally strange that a Socialist Government in Britain should be practically dependent on the capitalist Government of America to keep going from day to day?

Mr. Speaker

After this, I think we had better get on.