HC Deb 16 February 1954 vol 523 cc1787-8
6. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentages of men in the Army are now overseas, in Germany and in the United Kingdom, respectively.

Mr. Head

Since the war we have not given this regional breakdown of strengths.

Mr. Swingler

Did not the Secretary of State last year give figures of the percentage of recruits overseas, and if it is not possible to give the exact figures mentioned in the Question relating to Germany and the United Kingdom, could he give us figures similar to those which were given last year?

Mr. Head

No, Sir. What I said last year was that 80 per cent, of the fighting formations of the British Army were overseas. We have never given a complete breakdown of our strength in this country as compared with overseas because we think that there are other people besides the hon. Gentleman who might like to know the figures.

Mr. Swingler

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say what is now the figure comparable to that which the Secretary of State gave last year?

Mr. Head

That is quite a different question from the one on the Order Paper, and I should like the hon. Gentleman to put it down.