§ Mr. ALAN TODD (for Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON)asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can give any information as to the proposal to send a line battalion to Guernsey and to Jersey; when such battalions will be sent; whether they are to be sent for the convenience of the War Office or for the defence of the islands; and whether the troops are to be quartered in the island forts or whether barracks are to be built?
§ Mr. HACKINGYes, Sir. As the accommodation at present occupied by two infantry battalions at Lichfield is required for the use of an additional Air Defence Brigade, it has been decided to utilise the existing unoccupied infantry barracks at Guernsey and Jersey. The 2nd Battalion, the Sherwood Foresters, on return from the Sudan and Cyprus during the next trooping season, will occupy the quarters at Guernsey, and in the following trooping season another battalion will be sent to Jersey. No new barracks are being built.
§ Mr. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Jersey Government have asked for these troops?
§ Mr. HACKINGNot to my knowledge.
§ Mr. THORNEThen why send them?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe reason is that there are barracks there which are at present empty, and it would be false economy to erect fresh barracks anywhere else.