§ 6. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will study the effect on recruitment into the forces of the widely differing living conditions and differing general facilities available to officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieI do not consider that such a study would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that it is widely accepted in industry that business efficiency can be improved by removing discrimination between various types of employees? Does he accept that the Japanese, who have taken the lead in this matter, have shown that this sort of teamwork greatly improves the range of business? Does he therefore agree that more of this type of teamwork is needed in the Armed Forces? Is not this sort of apartheid abhorrent to many young people, whatever their political viewpoint?
§ Mr. PattieThat question only shows that it is time that the hon. Member paid another visit to some of the Armed Forces. If he talked to people at a variety of levels in the Armed Forces, he would find that the apartheid, as he likes to call it, is something that they desire. They wish to be in separate groupings. If he does not accept that point, I should be happy to arrange a visit for him as soon as he likes.
§ Mr. StokesIs not this a most mischievous question? Does not any armed force depend on hierarchy, including the Soviets? In the British forces, is not there a great esteem and respect between the different ranks?
§ Mr. PattieAs always, what my hon. Friend says is correct.