§ 123. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Defence, whether he is aware that while the percentage of the British Armed Forces in relation to the total population is 3.1, the percentage of the Armed Forces of the U.S.A. in relation to its total population is 1.2; and, in view of the serious shortage of manpower, if he will take steps to reduce the British Armed Forces at least to the U.S. level and thus make manpower available for our production needs.
§ Mr. AlexanderI would ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Defence White Paper which will precede the Service Estimates for 1947–48.