HC Deb 28 March 1923 vol 162 cc472-3
14. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board are considering the disbandment of the Royal Marine Artillery; and whether he can give an assurance that no steps will be taken in this direction before informing this House?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

As the numbers of Royal Marines have now been reduced to under 10,000, as against 18,000 in the years before the War, it is necessary in the interests of economy to reduce the existing numbers of Royal Marine Divisions. It has been decided that the best course to adopt is to amalgamate the Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and the steps necessary to give effect to this decision are now under consideration.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the great traditions of the Royal Marine Artillery and does he propose lightly to destroy this invaluable asset without consulting the House?

Commander EYRES - MONSELL

Naturally the House has any question under its control by the power to refuse supplies. In this case, His Majesty's permission has been asked, and we are going to retain the old traditions of the splendid Royal Marine Corps, which was only disunited, or made into two Corps, in 1804 or 1806.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Do not modern conditions specially demand amphibious artillery like the Royal Marine Artillery? Has that aspect of the matter been considered?

Captain Viscount CURZON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Royal Marine Artillery is absolutely the finest force in the Navy, and can he give an assurance that its disbandment will not be lightly undertaken?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

It is not being disbanded. The two corps are being amalgamated and brought together as they were together in the old days, and they will continue their traditions.

Viscount CURZON

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman assure us that the Royal Marine Artillery will not lose its identity in whatever proposals the Government are considering.

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

So far as we can manage it, neither corps will lose its own identity. They will be merged in the one corps of Royal Marines.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Will they continue to wear their distinctive uniforms?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

No, Sir.