HC Deb 18 July 1939 vol 350 c163
23. Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that both our horsed cavalry regiments are employed abroad he will consider reconverting some of the mechanised cavalry to horses?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The question presupposes that a mechanised cavalry regiment can be transformed into a horsed cavalry regiment merely by providing it with horses and the appropriate equipment. A far more expeditious method in case of need would be to make use of the 15 yeomanry regiments.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Are not foreign countries keeping a far larger proportion of regular cavalry in their armies, and would it not be much wiser for us to do the same?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

We have a large number of regiments.

Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makins

Is my right hon. Friend aware how very valuable the mounted regiments have proved in Palestine, and that the infantry brigadiers are now wanting to have a proportion of their infantry battalions mounted?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not think they are staying much longer in Palestine.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where the correspondence column is stationed?