§ 49. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Defence what reports he has received as 1235 a result of the inquiries of the Manpower Economy Committees in the Service Departments; and what steps he is taking.
§ Mr. AlexanderI have been furnished with copies of the interim reports of these committees. They are being considered by the Service Ministers who are responsible for the administration of their own Departments. Some of the recommendations have already been accepted and no special action on my part is required at this stage.
§ Mr. SwinglerIn view of the tribute paid by the Service Ministers to the work of these Committees, is it intended to publish any of their reports, so that the House may know exactly what they find on examining the situation?
§ Mr. AlexanderNo, Sir. I do not think that we have ever promised to publish reports of this kind, which are internal Departmental reports, for the guidance of the Minister. I did say that we would let the House know from tim3 to time what progress was being made; my hon. Friend may like to put down a Question to the Service Ministers on that point.
Mr. H. D. HughesCan my right hon. Friend say what would be the estimated saving in manpower if the recommendations of the Committees were put into effect?
§ Mr. AlexanderThis matter has been discussed on the Service Estimates. The Manpower Economy Committees have given a large proportion of their time to studying new methods and new arrangements for economy on a long-term basis.