HC Deb 09 July 1935 vol 304 cc145-6
13. Mr. NORTH

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can give the reasons which prevented any yeomanry brigade camps being held on Salisbury Plain this year?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

There are two reasons. In the first place, both the yeomanry brigades are stationed in the Northern Command, and, in the second place, the training areas on Salisbury Plain are fully occupied by troops of the Southern Command.

Mr. NORTH

Will it be possible in the future for these cavalry brigades to go into camp on Salisbury Plain?

Mr. HACKING

I cannot speak for the future, but there is nothing unusual in this at all. I am informed that they have not trained as a brigade for some years.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir CHARLES MacANDREW

Is it not the case that a territorial brigade is too large a unit to go into training for a fortnight?

14. Mr. NORTH

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many of the 14 yeomanry regiments have already completed their annual training; how many of these regiments went into camp as single units; and how many went with other units?

Mr. HACKING

Twelve yeomanry regiments have so far completed their annual training and 10 of these went into camp as single units. Of the two regiments yet to train, one will go into camp with other units.

Mr. NORTH

Is it the policy of the War Office to send units to do their annual training by themselves?

Mr. HACKING

No, Sir. I have indicated that there is a difference. Sometimes they are sent with other units, sometimes by themselves.