HC Deb 07 November 1962 vol 666 c968
30. Mr. Morris

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he has taken following the Estimates Committee Report recommending a reduction in the number of War Office staff in central London and the setting up of a committee to study War Office organisation.

Mr. Profumo

My Department's replies to the Eighth Report from the Estimates Committee, Session 1961–62, will shortly be in the hands of the Committee, and will in due course be reported to the House. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would wait for their publication before asking me for details. I can, however, say that I propose to set up a Committee to study the organisation of the War Office, and that Lieut.-General Sir Archibald Nye has accepted my invitation to be its Chairman.

Sir G. Nicholson

No doubt the Estimates Committee will be more than gratified to the extent that my right hon. Friend has accepted one of its recommendations. Will he make it clear that, although I personally am very glad that he has taken that step today, as a general rule, the answer should go first to the Estimates Committee and be reported to the House in due course?

Mr. Profumo

Of course, I accept that, and it was for this reason that I sought the advice of my hon. Friend before I made the statement.