HC Deb 05 June 1951 vol 488 cc808-10
37. Mr. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War what total number of British divisions it is proposed to have in Germany at the end of 1951; and how many additional divisions he plans to send there in existing conditions during 1952.

82. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the number of divisions now planned for the British Army of the Rhine.

Mr. Strachey

At or about the end of 1951 it is proposed that there should be 4⅓ British Divisions in Germany. I cannot yet give details of our plans for 1952.

Mr. Low

Will the Secretary of State for War confirm the statement that he made when in Germany, that there is as yet no limit to the number of divisions that we have decided to send to Germany this year and that further divisions will be sent in the near future?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly. I was asked in Germany whether this was the limit of British divisions which would in any circumstances go to Germany. I said, and I repeat, that no such limit has been fixed.

Major Legge-Bourke

When the Minister says that there is no limit, in what circumstances does he mean that to apply? Does he mean that there is a limit as long as there are no open hostilities in Europe, or that there is no limit at any time?

Mr. Strachey

I must simply repeat my statement that these 4⅓ divisions of which I have spoken are not a fixed limit to the number of divisions which in unforeseeable circumstances would be sent to Germany.

Mr. Niall Macpherson

Would these divisions be at full strength?

Mr. Strachey

That is another question.

Mr. Sandys

Surely the right hon. Gentleman can say whether these divisions will be up to full war establishment, or whether they will include an element of German civilians?

Mr. Strachey

That is quite another question, but it is well known, of course, that our Forces in Germany do not include, but are served by, a considerable number of Germans in transport and auxiliary rôles.

Mr. Sandys

Surely it is not another question to ask whether these divisions would be capable of being employed at short notice on active service if required. That is the question, and surely the Minister could give us an answer.

Mr. Strachey

It is another question, but I am perfectly happy to give the answer that these divisions are capable of being employed on active service.

Brigadier Head

Does that mean that the essential rear echelons of these divisions, manned by Germans, will fight in the event of war?

Mr. Strachey

There is another Question on the Order Paper on that subject. I think I had better answer that then.

Mr. Julian Amery

While I appreciate that the Minister cannot give us the figures for 1952, may we take it that it is the intention of himself and of the Government to increase the number of divisions in 1952 over and above what they intend to be the total at the end of this year?

Mr. Strachey

I think we had better leave the matter exactly as I have said it, but no limit of 4⅓ divisions has been set.

Mr. John MacLeod

Would I be in order in pointing out that only nine Questions have been asked since the end of Scottish Questions?