HC Deb 11 February 1946 vol 419 cc7-8W
Mr. Garry Allighan

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether the purely wartime functions of Army Unit F.V.D.D. are being continued; how that unit requires a peacetime establishment of 28 majors and 25 captains; and how the necessary expenditure of public funds is justified.

Mr. Wilmot

As my hon. Friend was informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, on 4th December last, F.V.D.D. is responsible for the research, design and development of all Service vehicles. These functions are, of course, of the utmost importance in peace. The Department's peacetime establishment, to which it is being methodically reduced, will be small and will be filled by the best available personnel, military or civilian.