§ 41 and 42. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Defence (1) if he will state the nature of his reply to the letter from the Trades Union Congress asking him to save men and money by employing civilians in place of soldiers and airmen wherever possible and asking why, despite the advice of investigating committees in favour of civilian labour, substantial changes have not yet been made;
(2) if he will agree to the full implementation of the proposals of the Wolfenden Committee Report as regards civilianisation in the Armed Forces.
§ Mr. SandysI would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by me on 428 6th February and by the Secretary of State for War on 12th February.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister tell the House why there has been a delay of 3½ years since the recommendations were first put to the Government by the T.U.C.? Would they not save 40,000 men? Is the Minister aware that in the past few days the Admiralty has acted in the opposite direction by turning over to naval ratings the sending of telegrams previously done by civilians, mainly girls, in shore establishments?
§ Mr. SandysI will study the hon. Member's question.