HC Deb 30 April 1930 vol 238 cc191-2
33. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can take steps to affiliate British regiments to Canadian regiments, so that reservists of Class B drawing 1s. a day may be enabled to go to Canada and not lose their is a day owing to their regiment being affiliated to a Canadian regiment, and such reservists would be available for service with Canadian regiments if need arise?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)

The Army Reserve is de- signed to meet the requirements of the Regular Army on mobilisation, and I regret, therefore, I am unable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this was done before the War in Australia—that this Government paid out a certain amount to the Australian Government and thus enabled reservists to migrate? At present, a large number of reservists are unemployed, and, if the right hon. Gentleman would only make some arrangements such as is suggested in the case of Canada, it would be possible for these men to go there?

Mr. SHAW

I am not aware of those facts, and have nothing to add to the answer that I have given.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?