asked the Minister of Defence what percentage of the total working population is at present engaged on defence work.

4·6, Sir.

Does this rather modest figure not show that our demands on manpower since the end of conscription have not been considerable in this country, and are they not a factor which should influence us before we seek the help of our allies with regard to forces?

I think that this is a proper contribution to make to the defence of the country but not an excessive one.