§ 12. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the damaging effect on morale of the growing uncertainty about the future strength of the Armed Forces, he will now make a statement on the Government's intentions.
§ Mr. HealeyI have said many times in the House that it will be necessary to reduce somewhat the strength of all three Services in the light of the Defence Review. I am not yet in a position to announce these reductions but will do so as soon as I can.
§ Sir T. BeamishWhile I cannot imagine a more dangerous moment to be discussing cuts in the Armed Forces, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that it has been his own totally inept handling of the problem which has led to all the present damaging uncertainty, and is it not high time that he took Parliament into his confidence?
§ Mr. HealeyI know that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is deeply concerned about the future of the Armed Services, but I do not think he is doing anything to help by talking about damaging effects. The fact is that morale in the Services has never been higher, and his hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Sir A. V. Harvey), who recently toured R.A.F. stations, reported to this effect during the debate just before the Recess. I think that it does no credit to hon. Gentlemen opposite to try to sow bad morale and distrust where they do not exist.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyAbout two months ago the right hon. Gentleman said that priority would be given for the Maltese in the Royal Malta Artillery to enlist in the British Army. If the numbers are to be cut, how will these men, who have served us faithfully over the years, be given priority to serve in the British Army?
§ Mr. HealeyWith respect, that is a totally different question.