HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc185-7

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

19. Mr. DODDS

To ask the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the suspension of three officers of the 6th Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment, Territorial Army, following an incident during the third day of the atom exercise "Dover Castle" held on Salisbury Plain in July last.

Mr. Mellish

On a point of order. Question No. 19 raises a matter primarily concerning my constituency, on which I have been working extremely hard for the past two months in getting private information which I wish to lay before the Secretary of State for War. As it is not a matter which should be bandied across the Floor of the House, may I appeal to you, Mr. Speaker, to ask what course a Member should take?

Mr. Dodds

Since I am concerned with an officer who is a constituent of mine and has asked me to raise the Question, why cannot this "nosy parker" mind his own business?

Mr. Speaker

Hon. Member should not use such expressions about each other. In reply to the hon. Member for Bermondsey (Mr. Mellish), the Question is in order and is on the Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds), and I must call it.

Mr. Mellish

Surely, the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford should be the last person to call anybody a "nosy parker" when he spends all his time watching other people at work.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Dodds.

Mr. Dodds

Question No. 19.

Mr. Head

During the whole of camp and not just during the exercise referred to it was considered that the battalion was not up to the standard of efficiency expected. The divisional commander decided to suspend from command three of the company commanders and to call for special reports on them. These steps were taken to improve the general efficiency of the battalion and are not solely connected with the incident on the last day of the exercise.

Mr. Dodds

Has a decision yet been made concerning Major Clement, who is a constituent of mine?

Mr. Head

No, Sir, it has not.

Mr. Dodds

When is a decision likely to be made? This is causing a lot of harm to the Territorial Army in my district.

Mr. Mellish

Is the Secretary of State aware that there are other details of which he should be made aware before any decision is taken concerning these three officers, who, I think, have been unjustly treated? Will the right hon. Gentleman now afford to me a private interview so that he may have the details which I am anxious for him to have?

Mr. Head

indicated assent.