Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 11 Tachwedd 1947.
Sir Toby Low
, Blackpool North
12:00,
11 Tachwedd 1947
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he still plans that the Regular Army should consist of 220,000 volunteers.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
The regular strength of the Army has not yet been finally decided.
Sir Toby Low
, Blackpool North
Will the right hon. Gentleman say what it is that prevents His Majesty's Government from reaching a decision on this important point?
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
This is not a matter that can be settled just like that.
Mr Emrys Hughes
, South Ayrshire
In a speech in Glasgow on 30th October, Field-Marshal Montgomery has already made a public pronouncement on the strength of the Army. Does my right hon. Friend say that that public pronouncement has not the support of His Majesty's Government?
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
The statement made by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff will arise in a later Question.
Sir Henry Legge-Bourke
, Isle of Ely
If it is a fact, as the Minister says, that the size of the Regular Army by voluntary enlistment has not yet been decided, how was it possible for His Majesty's Government to present to this House a Bill for national service, in view of the fact that His Majesty's Government cannot possibly have known how many men would be required from national service?
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
There is really nothing inconsistent in that.
