HC Deb 25 November 1919 vol 121 c1600
10. Captain BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Scots Greys had been excused foreign service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Owing to a reduction in the number of British Cavalry regiments required for the garrison of India, a reduction which may be of a temporary nature only, it was necessary to cancel the orders for the dispatch of the Royal Scots Greys to India. I may say that, apart from ordinary considerations governing the movement of Cavalry regiments, I have to attach certain weight to the fact that the Scots Greys are the only Scots Cavalry regiment which in any way resembles a regiment of guards Cavalry in Scotland.

Captain BROWN

Has the position of the Scots Greys been altered on the roster for foreign service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It has not been altered yet. It is under consideration to treat this regiment as a home service regiment in the same way as the Household Cavalry are treated.

Colonel ASHLEY

Are they to be constantly stationed at Edinburgh?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot say that. I think it would be a disadvantage if they were permanently in one situation, but it is obvious that their grey horses would disappear if they went on foreign service, and one of the most historic regiments of the whole of the British Army would lose its essential characteristic.

Captain BROWN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Cavalry regiment which does nothing but stay at home costs a great deal of money? Would it not be as well to disband the regiment?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think that would be very foolish. A certain amount of Cavalry have to remain in this country, and it might be possible so to arrange the disposition of the various regiments as to give satisfaction to national sentiment