§ 42. Sir David Reidasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is able to make any statement regarding the raising of additional battalions of the Regular Army?
Mr. CooperIn 1922 it was reluctantly decided, as part of the post-war economy measures, to disband the 2nd Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and to amalgamate the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria's). I am glad to announce that the two additional infantry battalions whose formation has been approved will be raised by restoring both these historic regiments to their former two-battalion basis, and provision is being made accordingly in the Estimates for 1937.
§ Sir R. RossWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind when considering the desirability of drafting any senior officers to these new battalions, that promotion in the one-battalion regiments has been abnormally slow?
§ Sir A. KnoxWill the right hon. Gentleman state exactly what has been done about the formation of those four new battalions which was announced a year ago in the Army Estimates?
Mr. CooperSteps have been taken to form these two. The question of forming the other two is still being considered.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteWhen shall we hear about the other two battalions?