§ 48. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Defence what form of examination has been given to the question of amalgamating the common administrative services of the armed forces; and what are the principal reasons why it is considered that such a complete amalgamation would not be in the real interests of economy and efficiency.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)This question has been very thoroughly examined by the normal process of inter-Departmental discussion both official and Ministerial.' The amalgamation of common services would, in the view of the Government, result in
These are the main reasons which led the Government to the view which I expressed to the House on 1st March, that the practical difficulties which the tasks of unification would bring with them would outweigh the advantages. In present circumstances we are not satisfied that amalgamation would lead either to increased efficiency or to economy in money and manpower.
- (a) loss of contact with the Forces they serve;
- (b) divided responsibility for the Forces and for their ancillary services;
- (c) the establishment of a new Headquarters organisation to deal with such matters as pay, transport, clothing, accommodation, etc., for the amalgamated services;
- (d) an increase of detailed liaison work between the amalgamated services and the Forces.