USE OF MANPOWER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1943, Page 2

USE OF MANPOWER

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK STATEMENT BY PREMIER. NEED OF THE ARMED FORCES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A statement on the manpower position covering the Army, Navy and Air Force requirements of the Dominion’s war effort for the coming 12 months was made by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in the House yesterday. He said that it was considered possible to release from the Army those among the 18 and 19 years age group who desired to resume their ordinary civil avocations. A comprehensive summary of the statistical position of the armed forces and the needs of industry was circulated among members as a basis for discussion. The Prime Minister said he desired the House to debate the manpower position very fully and carefully, and suggested an adjournment till 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, when a full day could be given to the discussion. This course was agreed to. Mr Fraser said it was true that the war situation in the Pacific, had shown some improvement. There was danger of the country becoming too complacent, but there was no danger of the House becoming complacent also. The War Cabinet considered that the situation warranted a reconsideration of the manpower position. The first point to be noted was that the Air Force was expanding rapidly and would require considerable manpower additions.' The next points were that the coun.try’s ability to regroup on a war establishment basis should the enemy menace become acute should be maintained, that the mass of equipment now issued to the fighting forces must be adequately cared for. that the men required to rejoin the army in event of regrouping must be trained men and that coastal and anti-aircraft defences must at all times be ready to meet the possibility of attack by submarine or aircraft. THE TWO DIVISIONS. The next major point was the maintenance of the Middle East Division and the Pacific Division. There was room for discussion in that The War Cabinet believed that the two divisions could be maintained for this year at fighting strength, and should be maintained. When success was finally achieved in Tunisia the question of the further role of the Middle East Division must be considered. This, however, did not prevent the reconsideration of the future of the division from time to time. “Nevertheless,” continued the Prime Minister, “there must be stability in our programme. It is the House’s duty to keep the whole .position under constant review and War Cabinet wants the House to share fully in its responsibilities.” The final major point for the House to consider in the situation was the manpower requirements of primary and secondary industry, said Mr Fraser. He indicated the numbers that could be transferred progressively from, the Army to industry and the number that would have to move from industry into the fighting forces. The defence forces of the country, while yielding now to industry would'still be maintained on such a basis, including provision for training, that in any hour 'of danger they could be thoroughly and completely regrouped and equipped. The adjournment was then taken till Wednesday.