§ 13. Mr. Flemingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of Manchester youths of Scottish extraction have expressed a desire to serve in a Scottish regiment under the Military Training Act; and what steps he intends to take to enable them to join a Scottish Territorial battalion on completion of their six months' compulsory service?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaWhere possible, militiamen are posted for their six months' training to the unit or arm of the Service in which they wish to serve. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer I gave him on 20th June last.
§ Mr. FlemingWill my right hon. Friend give his kind consideration to the very strong desire expressed by militiamen of Scottish extraction in Manchester, that on the completion of their Militia service they should have a chance of serving in a Scottish Territorial battalion in the Man chester area just as they do in Liverpool?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMen of Scottish ex traction will feel that desire whether or not they live in Manchester, and it would not be possible to start Scottish units everywhere, though I will give consideration to the wishes expressed by my hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. Anstruther-GrayWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the London Scottish are a very excellent unit?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat fact has never been disputed.
§ Mr. George GriffithsIs it not the fact that there is now a Scottish Brigade at the Ministry of Health?