§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the danger of war has receded, he will now review the manpower position in the Army.
§ Mr. HeadI am always trying to economise in the use of manpower, especially since the total strength of the Army is likely to decrease by about 15,000 in the next two years. Unfortunately, our overseas and cold war commitments are not necessarily reduced even if a hot war becomes less likely.
§ Mr. SwinglerIn view of the large numbers of complaints, of which the Minister has already had evidence this afternoon, and of the fact that production of equipment for the men in the Armed Forces is being reduced and of the repeated Ministerial statements that the danger of war is receding, is not this a time for some special inquiry, apart from the review which the Minister is making, to see whether some new comprehensive measures cannot be introduced into the system of the Army in order to reduce the number of men required?
§ Mr. HeadWhen one considers the number of men called up annually, I do not believe that the number of complaints is really excessive. Although there have been several of these special inquiries in the past, it has been found that they have not had really a very considerable 218 effect in practical reduction, partly due to the lack of specialised knowledge which is very difficult for any impartial civilian to obtain. By and large, I believe that the inquiries which I have now set up will produce good effects in the coming year.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyDoes my right hon. Friend not think it strange that in view of the assertions of the other side of the House that the Conservative Government would increase the risk of war they should now be pressing for a reduction in the Service?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithHas the right hon. Gentleman read the report by Sir George Bailey and Mr. John Little which was published before the war? If not, will the right hon. Gentleman read it in order to learn the lessons from it?