DEFENCE CUTS IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28178, 17 January 1957, Page 9

DEFENCE CUTS IN BRITAIN

Auxiliary Forces Disbanded

(IV.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, January 16. The reduction of British forces might foreshadow the abolition of National Service, some British newspapers said today. . . I “ Dai J y Telegraph” said that undoubtedly the Government ultimately hoped to abolish it. The “News Chronicle” said that plans would soon be announced to replace it with a form of selected call-up.

• , Britain last night announced big defence cuts includmg the disbanding of Ro/alAir Force auxiliary squadrons.

Hr;™®, mu' Telegraph” said that the economy drive would be intensified by the Prime Minister, Mr Macmillan, who as Chancellor of the Exchequer had not concealed the fact that Britain’s defence expenditure of more than £lsoom a year could be pruned severely.

The “Daily Mirror” said that Mr Macmillan had then hoped to cut. th e defence biU by £2OO million. The disbanding of the greater part of the Auxiliary Air Force means the end of several squadrons of “week-end flyers” who shared the glory of the Battle of Britain with the regular Air Force.

Mr Macmillan, apart from holding his first Cabinet meeting yesterday, spent much of the day choosing further Ministers for about 20 senior and 50 junior Government posts still to be filled The economies, which will save the nation millions of pounds, include the cancellation of orders for 100 Hunter jet fighters.

Twenty of the Auxiliary Air Force’s squadrons, some of which were formed in 1925. will go. saving an estimated £5,500.000 a year.

The Navy will also disband its part-time auxiliary air branch, the counterpart of the R.A.F.’s auxiliary units.

The Army will release 120,000 National Servicemen from training at annual camps and drill hall parades this year.

Wool Values In Australia

SYDNEY, January 16. A world record price of 475 d per lb was paid for greasy Merino at the Sydney sales. The record exceeded by lOd the previous best established a few months ago. The price was paid for five bales from the New England district of New South Wales.

Comebacks and crossbreds were keenly sought at rates 2J per cent, higher than yesterday’s ruling prices. Values for all descriptions of Merino ruled very firm. Of 18.600 bales offered 18.464 were sold at the Melbourne sale today prices for all types maintained the improved level established yesterday. Buoyant selling conditions prevailed with, the Con-

tinent and Japan the principal buyers being strongly supported by Britain.

There was an excellent clearance of the 14.200 bales offered.