HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 cc191-2W
105. Brigadier Prior-Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for War what the duties and responsibilities of the full-time Commander-in-Chief, United Kingdom land forces, will be in peace and war.

Mr. F. Maclean

The new Commander-in-Chief will be responsible in peace for the planning of all land operations in the direct defence of the United Kingdom in the event of war, including military assistance in Civil Defence. He will be ready to assume immediate command in an emergency.

He will consult with the other Services and the civil authorities on these matters and will also act as adviser to the War Office on the training and organisation of the troops he will command in war. He will maintain close liaison with the Director-General of Civil Defence and under his direction the military commanders will draw up plans with the Civil Defence Regional Directors. As Chairman of the Commanders-in-Chief (United Kingdom) Committee he will in peace and war co-ordinate Service plans for home defence.

In war-time the Commander-in-Chief would be responsible for directing land operations in the direct defence of the United Kingdom and for the command of all military personnel placed under him for Civil Defence duties.