HC Deb 08 December 1960 vol 631 cc1453-4
Mr. Wigg

On a point of order. I have given you notice of this point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Yesterday, I put a Question for Oral Answer to the Secretary of State for War, to elicit from him whether there had been any variation in the estimates of the strength of the Army on 1st April, 1961. When the right hon. Gentleman replied, he stated that the figures would be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, which was a reasonable thing to do. However, the right hon. Gentleman did not reveal that the Regular Army would be 6,000 weaker on 1st April, 1961, compared with the figure given in the Defence White Paper.

When I read the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT this morning, I found that the figures did not add up. It is true that the difference is minor, but, as we are to have a defence debate next week, and as one of the things of which hon. Members will obviously wish to take account in preparing their speeches is the strength of our conventional Forces, it is very important that the record should be put right.

May I add that there is no imputation whatever against the Secretary of State for War. This alteration is quite unlike that made by the Minister of Defence in the early part of the year to which I drew attention. Nor is there any animadversion against the Editor of the OFFICIAL REPORT, who does his best in very difficult circumstances. It happens to be a mistake which, I think, should be put right. I trust that the House will forgive me for trespassing on its time to draw attention to this matter.

Mr. Speaker

I am obliged to the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Wigg) for drawing my attention to this error. The blame must rest with us. It was a printer's error, and it shall be put right.

Dr. Stross

On business, may I ask the Leader of the House—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is too late. I did not see him rising before. I hope that it was not my fault.