§ Mr. Garry Allighanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied of the necessity for keeping the following establishments at full war-time strength, M.E. 13; the War Office, Golden Cross House; D.T.D., Ministry of Supply, Chertsey; C.O.X.E., Westward Ho; and No. 2 W.T.C., Bideford; and if not, will he give instructions for reduction.
§ Mr. LawsonIt is not proposed to keep any of these establishments at full wartime strength. Reductions have been and are now being effected in all cases. M.E. 13 should be down to 25 per cent. of its VJ-Day establishment by the end of the year and will cease to exist as a separate branch within about six months from now. No. 2 W.T.C has already been reduced by about one-third and should be down to half its war-time establishment by May, 1946. C.O.X.E. is not entirely a military establishment. Reduc-198W tions have already been made and discussions for reorganisation are now taking place between Admiralty, War Office and Combined Operations Headquarters. A very much reduced military commitment is envisaged. D.T.D., Chertsey, is primarily a Ministry of Supply responsibility and the Army contribution in personnel is relatively small, but it is understood that a reorganisation is now taking place which will result in a reduction of staff.