HC Deb 02 November 1937 vol 328 cc722-3
61. Mr. De Ia Bére

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government will consider the desirability of still more closely welding the Territorial Army into being an integral part of the Regular Army, with a view to avoiding any differentiation of status.

Mr. Hore-Belisha

With a view to recognising the important status of the Territorial Army the Director-General of the Territorial Army has recently been appointed a Military Member of the Army Council and an officer of the Territorial Army has been appointed as Deputy Director-General of the Territorial Army, with the local rank of Major-General. I hope that these changes and the consequences which may flow from them will make it plain beyond question that the Territorial Army, like the Regular Army, has functions of primary importance to fulfil in the scheme of our national defence.

Mr. De Ia Bére

Will the right hon. Gentleman also see that there is no differentiation made between the equipment issued in the Territorial Army and the Regular Army, and that equipment many years obsolete is not issued henceforth?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I hope the time will come when the distinction will no longer prevail.

65. Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the complaints with regard to the catering for the Territorials in Kensington Gardens and other camps at the time of the Coronation; and what action has been taken against the contractor concerned.

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The only messing contract arranged for Territorial Army troops was on account of officers' messing. I am not aware of any ground for taking any action against the contractor.

Lieut-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling both among officers and men of the Territorial Army on this matter, and does he not think that the contractors concerned ought to be struck off the War Office List?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I said that the only contract arrangements were for officers messing and not for the men. There is no reason for taking any action in the matter.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who was responsible for the bad catering for the men?