24. Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance, in view of the shortage of infantry in the Territorial Army, that no further infantry will be converted into anti-aircraft units, but that such units will be recruited separately?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The balance between one arm and another in the Regular and Territorial Armies depends upon strategic considerations, and in accordance with these is liable to change from time to time.
Mr. WattCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that men who enlist for service in the infantry in the Territorial Army will not be transferred to other branches of the Service against their wishes?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe answer which I have given probably covers that point, but I cannot say any more without notice.
Mr. DavidsonIs it not a breach of contract in the real sense of the word that when a man joins a particular regiment because he desires to do so, he shall be transferred against his will to some other unit?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaOne can adopt the attitude of trying to smooth difficulties, or of adding to them.
§ Mr. PetherickAre we to understand that my right hon. Friend can give no such assurance as is suggested in the question?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have said that the considerations which govern this matter are strategic, and the Government must have liberty to propose what is in the national interest.
§ 26. Mr. Petherickasked the Secretary of State for War whether the policy of manning anti-aircraft units with Territorials is to be continued; and within what time they could reach their posts in sufficient numbers to fight as efficient units in the event of war?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir, I hope my hon. Friend will realise that it would be inadvisable to state publicly the exact period within which these units will be required to deploy, but I anticipate that when the arrangements are fully developed, they will be able to deploy as quickly as regular soldiers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteWill the Minister encourage the maintenance of tradition and esprit de corps in these units, and will he also mantain close touch between these units and the regular units with which they are affiliated?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir.