Vote a. Number of Land Forces

Part of Defence (Army) Estimates, 1965–66 – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 March 1965.

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Photo of Mr Richard Glyn Mr Richard Glyn , North Dorset 12:00, 8 March 1965

I said "units", but I suppose one can call them units or battalions. I understand that the right hon. Gentleman will send some troops, but, if he is not going to, let us be told that clearly and get the matter cleared up. If he is, then my remarks apply.

The hon. Member for Manchester, Exchange was unique among back benchers opposite. He spoke briefly in favour of the Government in his opening sentences, but very soon was in the usual channel; saying that if the next lot of Estimates were not very different from the present ones the Government would be in trouble.

My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Kershaw) asked a question about the War Office Selection Board, as it used to be known. I suppose that it is called the Army Department Selection Board now. My hon. Friend wanted it made clear that it was not run on what might be called "snob" lines.

My hon. Friend then raised the important question of Service pensions. Last year the hon. and learned Member for Northampton, standing where I am standing tonight, said that the policy of the party opposite—the Labour Party—was parity in pensions. His remarks can be read in the OFFICIAL REPORT. If the policy of parity was right last year, where are we this year? Is no step to be made towards parity? We are entitled to ask these questions, and the pensioners and the public are expecting an answer to them.

The hon. Member for Epping (Mr. Newens) asked for restraint—again attacking the Government—in the wasteful use of resources. He criticised the Army's use of land, and also the placing of contracts.

That is the record. Every single back bencher speaking on the Government side has criticised the Government and the Estimates. Some have done so more forcibly than others, but all have been critical—