§ 29. Mr. Petherickasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any details about the progress made in respect of buildings and equipment for use by anti-aircraft Territorial units; and if he considers the progress already made satisfactory?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe erection of buildings and the provision of equipment is proceeding as quickly as labour and factory conditions and the availability of sites permit. Instructions have been given to make energetic progress with temporary accommodation in all cases where a permanent building will not be completed during the coming winter.
§ Mr. PetherickCan my right hon. Friend give any indication to the House as to when the programme is likely to be completed?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI should prefer to have notice before answering that question precisely.
§ 30. Mr. Petherickasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the recruiting for Territorial antiaircraft units; and whether he can give the figures of enlistments in these units for the first six months of 1936 and 1937, respectively?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe number of recruits obtained for Territorial Army anti-aircraft units in the first six months of 1936 was 1,957, and of 1937, 7,666.
§ Mr. PetherickIn view of the very satisfactory figures which have been disclosed to the House by my right hon. Friend, can he give an assurance that no further Territorial infantry regiments will be converted into anti-aircraft units when the country is crying out for infantry and can get as many Territorial anti-aircraft men as are necessary?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI should hesitate to commit myself to such an assurance.
§ 33. Mr. Dugganasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any proposals under consideration for the conversion of any Territorial infantry battalions into anti-aircraft units; whether the commanding officers have in each case been consulted; and, if so, whether they favour such proposals?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaApart from conversions already decided, there is one further conversion under consideration. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes," and the answer to the third part is that in all decided cases they have agreed.
§ Mr. PetherickWill my right hon. Friend consent to receive a deputation from the units concerned?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir; I have already consented that a deputation shall be received by the Under-Secretary of State.
§ Mr. BellengerAre these units largely composed of mobile forces, or of fixed forces?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThese are conversions of Territorial infantry battalions into anti-aircraft units.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know whether these units are being used as mobile anti-aircraft units, or whether they are fixed?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat is another question. This question refers to the one outstanding decision which has not yet been taken.