HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 c1822
44. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the declared intention of getting rid of unnecessary fatigues and time wasting activities.

Mr. F. Maclean

Unnecessary scrubbing, burnishing, blancoing and polishing have been forbidden and unit administration has been reviewed to cut out waste of time. My right hon. Friend has received preliminary reports which indicate that considerable progress has been made. There will, however, be no question of any slackness being tolerated in the personal turn-out and smartness of soldiers or in the effectiveness and cleanliness of their arms, equipment or barracks.

Mr. Dodds

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the declaration about getting rid of "bull" has been well received in most quarters and should encourage the recruitment of the right type of man for the technical Army of the future? Will he and his right hon. Friend press on with reforms which will get rid of stupid duties without any loss of efficiency?

Mr. Maclean

Yes, Sir; that is what we are doing.