§ 1. Mr. Swinglerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider the establishment of an independent body to review the use of manpower in the Armed Forces, in view of the numerous complaints of wastage at the present time.
§ Mr. SwinglerIn view of the very serious nature of the Government's National Service proposals in the Defence White Paper, and the numerous complaints about the wastage of manpower that have been made in recent times, is it not high time that a thorough investigation of this character should be held? What have the Service chiefs to conceal?
§ Mr. BirchThey have nothing to conceal. There have been at least three investigations in each Department since the war, and in two Services investigations are going on now. We are coming to the time when there will be debates on all three Services, and if the hon. Member has any specific points in mind my right hon. Friends will be very glad if he will raise them.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough to furnish the House with the details of the investigations to which he has just referred? That is new to the House. Will he say why the Service Departments cannot, through the Ministry of Defence, establish permanent machinery to ensure that there is no wastage of manpower?
§ Mr. BirchThe fact that there have been certain investigations can hardly be news to the right hon. Gentleman, because some of them took place under his guidance. The question of permanent machinery is rather another question, but it is the first duty of my right hon. Friends to see that manpower is not wasted, and that is what they devote a large part of their energies to ensuring.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Gentleman has just informed the House, in reply to a supplementary question, that two investigations are now proceeding. Will he give the House the details?
§ Mr. BirchNo, Sir. These are Departmental investigations as to how manpower can be saved. It is not customary to give the House details of Departmental investigations.
Air Commodore HarveyIs it not a fact that the establishments divisions of all three Services are constantly reviewing these matters and trying to cut down wherever possible?
§ Mr. BirchYes, Sir, of course they are, and I think that my colleagues have had considerable success, which will be brought out, in saving manpower.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs not the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the difference between a Departmental investigation and an independent investigation, and that what is asked for in my Question is whether he will set up an investigation by an independent body of people who have no prejudices within the Service Departments?