§ 41. Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War why the number of Welsh Guards battalions is being reduced from two to one; and whether he will reconsider his decision in this matter.
§ Mr. BellengerIt has been decided that the Brigade of Guards should bear a share in the reduction of Regular Infantry Battalions for the postwar Army. The 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards, which was raised in 1939, is not included in the ten battalions that will be retained.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIs it a fact that voluntary enlistment is greater in the Guards than in any other unit and, if this is so, why decrease the number of Guards battalions?
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir, I should say that there is perhaps a greater desire to enlist in the Guards than in certain other Infantry regiments of the Line.
§ Sir Hugh O'NeillIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of the Welsh Guards—and the Irish Guards are in exactly the same position—this decision will involve great hardship on members of these regiments with regard to promotion and future prospects?
§ Mr. BellengerWe have to limit our Armed Forces for various reasons, and the Infantry of the Line had a much severer reduction than the Guards, who have retained the ten battalions they had before the war.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyThen can we assume that the Secretary of State for War is quite satisfied with the position of recruitment into the Infantry of the Line?
§ Mr. BellengerOh, no, Sir, I would not say that. If the hon. Gentleman means Regular service, I am not entirely satisfied.