§ 45. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to reorganise our reserve forces to correspond with the suggestions made by Field Marshal Montgomery in recent speeches.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)Any suggestions made by an officer of Lord Montgomery's standing and long experience will, of course, receive careful consideration.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that mean that they are receiving consideration at the present time?
§ The Prime MinisterThey are receiving consideration. The whole organisation of our reserve forces is kept constantly under review. These proposals 970 are receiving consideration, but what will be done about them I cannot possibly say.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the right hon-Gentleman aware that some of the suggestions made by the Field Marshal are excellent in their nature, and that if they were accepted it would lead to economies in the organisation of our Forces? Would the right hon. Gentleman see that the Ministry of Defence pay full attention to the matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that the Minister of Defence will be glad to know that in this matter, if he took action in the direction suggested, he would have the support of his predecessor.