§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether the Imperial Defence Committee met and gave full considerations to the reductions in the cavalry of the United Kingdom and India, involving the disbanding in all of 67 cavalry regiments, before deciding to disband the four Regular and 45 Yeomanry regiments in the United Kingdom?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer is in the negative. The responsibility for these reductions must be taken by the Government and by Parliament.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTWas the reduction of the Indian cavalry regiments settled in the first place in this country? Is the whole defensive position of the Empire being considered in this connection? So long as the vast majority of the British Army are in Mesopotamia, on the Rhine, and in Palestine, does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the question of disbanding four cavalry regiments in this country should be delayed until some of the troops have returned to this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. and gallant Member is raising very big issues, which have been discussed at considerable length here, and I do not think that by question and answer I can possibly deal with the subject.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTWill the right hon. Gentleman consider my suggestion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have considered this among other methods of securing economy in the country. We had to take into account, not merely the needs of the Empire, but the resources of this country.