HC Deb 25 July 1956 vol 557 cc409-10
39. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will investigate the cost in time and money involved in the sea trooping of Service men and their families in modern steamships compared with that of air trooping in modern transport aircraft.

Sir W. Monckton

This matter is under continuous review by the Service Departments in consultation with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, but it is not possible to arrive at a true comparison of the costs involved in trooping by the two alternative methods mentioned in the Question, except by reference to the particular circumstances of a given series of movements.

Mr. de Freitas

Is it not a fact that, apart from the capital saving in using aircraft, the number of men saved in the lines of communication if air transport and not sea transport is used may well bring much nearer the day when we can do without such large numbers of men and so abolish conscription?

Sir W. Monckton

I am not sure that I would go so far as that, but I am sure that the hon. Member will be glad to know that, if we omit Germany, about half of all personnel movement in 1955–56 was carried out by air, and we shall do as much of that as we can.

Mr. Bellenger

Was that ordinary individual trooping, or by unit? Was a considerable proportion done by unit?

Sir W. Monckton

It is in the case where we are doing it by unit that we are more likely to be using sea transport, because the men move with their equipment and families. I was taking an overall figure for movements, leaving out Germany.

Mr. de Freitas

The right hon. and learned Gentleman says that about half the trooping is done by air. Is not that exactly the same figure as it was last year and the year before?

Sir W. Monckton

I am afraid that I cannot answer about last year without notice. I do not know the figure.