Labour Member Criticises Lord Montgomery's Tour

Evening Star, Issue 26154, 16 July 1947, Page 5

Labour Member Criticises Lord Montgomery's Tour

(Rec. 1.30 p,m.) LONDON, July 15, • The Secretary of State for War, Mr F. J. Bellenger, replyingto Mr E. R. Millington (Labour), in the House of Commons, said the petrol, oil, and maintenance on Lord Montgomery’s flight abroad would cost about £IO,OOO. Lord Montgomery had undertaken the tour, he said,.at the Government’s request, and on the invitation of the Australian and New Zealand Governments, to enable him to learn at first hand the conditions and problems of Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East, and to discuss mutual defence aspects, particularly affecting the Army, with New Zealand and Australian Ministers, and Army staffs. Mr Millington said there was considerable concern that our chief soldier spends much of his time discussing past history in all corners of the world, instead of spending his time running the War Office. Mr Bellenger replied: i “ His presence at the War Office is not entirely necessary to run the War Office and the Army (laughter and cries of * withdraw ’).” y. “1 am entirely satisfied that useful work is being done on this trip,” .added Mr Bellenger, who agreed with Mr Eden that it was part of Lbrd Montgomery's duty to see British troops overseas, many of whom were doing onerous duties. Earl Winterton asked: “ Will you make it clear ■ that'when a distinguished Soldier proceeds abroad on • Government orders, he is protected in this House from inferior insuHing comments (cheers),” ’ „