§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that it is necessary for the staff college at Camberley to remain the same size as it was in 1958 when the Army was substantially larger; and if he will re-examine the need for four tiers of staff colleges, each with geographically separate faiclities.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe overall size of the Army is not the only factor determining the number of staff officers we need to train. Since 1958 the Army has reduced in numbers, as has the requirement for officers in field force headquarters, but equipments used have increased in sophistication, necessitating an increase in the number of technical staff appointments. In addition, we have increased the number of foreign students who attend the Army staff course: this is of benefit to the whole course, which in total numbers remains the same as in 1958.
As stated in the recent White Paper, Cmnd 8288, paragraph 41, we are seeking economies in the training organisation. I do not wish to prejudge the outcome of current studies.