§ 39. Lady Apsleyasked the Secretary of State for War why it is proposed to turn certain yeomanry regiments into infantry training regiments; and is he aware of the desire of all ranks to be sent overseas in their present role as reconnaissance units of the R.A.C.
§ Sir J. GriggThe hon. Lady appears to have been misinformed. There is no proposal to convert any yeomanry regiments to infantry training regiments. In regard to the second part of the Question, any drafts that may have to be taken from yeomanry regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps as reinforcements for forces overseas will go as Royal Armoured Corps reinforcements.
§ Lady ApsleyWill the regiment, of whose name my right hon. Friend has already been informed, proceed overseas now as a unit?
§ Sir J. GriggI cannot possibly answer that question. I think it is at present one of the training and reinforcement units, but what will happen in future I cannot possibly tell.
§ 40. Lady Apsleyasked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the successes achieved by Red Army cavalry, is consideration being given to rehorsing some light cavalry and yeomanry regiments.
§ Sir J. GriggNot at present, but the question of changing the organisation of the Army in the light of the experience of our own and other armies is one which is under continuous review, having regard particularly to the operations in which the Army is likely to be engaged.
§ Mr. PetherickWould my right hon. Friend agree that there are still certain functions that cavalry can perform in modern war perhaps more satisfactorily than any other arm?
§ Sir J. GriggI am not prepared to deny that, as a general proposition, and neither am I prepared to give a categorical assent to it.
§ Lady ApsleyHas my right hon. Friend studied the progress made by the Red cavalry recently?