HC Deb 04 December 1962 vol 668 cc1133-4
Q1. Mr. K. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister what plans he has for increasing the responsibilities of the Minister of Defence in relation to the other Service Ministries.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

The organisation of the defence departments is under constant review, and I would of course inform the House of any decision to make a change.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Prime Minister aware that some of us—and apparently the Estimates Committee—feel that there is a good deal to be said for increasing the co-ordinating powers of the Minister of Defence, so that there can be a pooling of the common services used by the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, not excluding headquarters? Is he also aware that we feel that, in view of the pooling of resources that takes place overseas, in N.A.T.O. and other alliances, it would seem reasonable that we should introduce a similar kind of pooling at home?

The Prime Minister

These are very important aspects of a large question, which is not easy to deal with by way of question and answer.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this matter has been under constant review for many years—even when he was Minister of Defence? In spite of the talk about co-ordination, is not the Prime Minister aware that this so-called co-ordination is most ineffective? Before the Defence Estimates come before the House early next year, will not he consider giving this matter more careful consideration, so that we may witness more effective coordination and, perhaps, integration, in these three Services?

The Prime Minister

I will take into account what the right hon Gentleman says, because he has great experience in these matters. But there have been successive advances. As to the larger question raised by the right hon. Gentleman, I do not think that he would expect me to make a statement in answer to a supplementary question.

Mr. G. Brown

As we have had 10 Ministers of Defence in the last 11 years, does the Prime Minister think that we can get any co-ordination?

The Prime Minister

I understood that the Question was related to functions rather than to personalities.