§ 1. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Defence to what extent he estimates the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation department at Paris concerned with air operations is overstaffed; and whether he is satisfied that a substantial amount of money could not be saved in this department.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. Duncan Sandys)I have no reason to think that the section of Supreme Headquarters concerned with air operations is overstaffed. There are very few British members of this staff, so that the scope for savings by us is small.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the late Deputy Supreme Commander says that drastic pruning is necessary because of extravagant expenditure and that these officers have no time to think? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in these circumstances it is time that he should make a thorough investigation into the matter?
§ Mr. SandysI would not have expected Field Marshal Lord Montgomery to give absolute, unqualified praise to the arrangements made by another general.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.