§ 20. Mr. WALLACEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling aroused in Fifeshire through the reported decision of the War Office to disband the 7th Black Watch Territorial Battalion, and in its place to assign to Fifeshire two companies of Royal Engineers with headquarters in Aberdeen; and whether, before a final decision is taken by his Department, he will receive a deputation from the Fife Territorial Association on the subject?
§ 24. Colonel Sir A. SPROTasked the Secretary of State for War if it is the intention of the War Office to disband the 7th Battalion Black Watch and to substitute for it two companies of Territorial Engineers belonging to a battalion having its headquarters at Aberdeen, thus wiping out a very distinguished battalion and also allotting no Territorial representation whatever in Fife of the local regiment, the Black Watch, and so depriving all men in the county of Fife who are desirous of serving in the Territorial infantry of any opportunity of doing so within their own county?
§ Sir. A. WILLIAMSONNo definite decision has been reached to disband this battalion. The whole matter is at present under discussion and will receive the Secretary of State's personal consideration.
§ Mr. WALLACEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the other part of the question, namely, whether he will receive a deputation from the Fife Territorial Association?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not quite sure that I can give a definite answer upon that, but if the hon. Member will communicate with me, I will see whether it is possible to accede to that.