§ 11. Mr. Sidney Shephardasked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to provide training grounds and buildings for Territorial units.
§ Mr. J. FreemanAs far as possible, Territorial units will use the training areas allocated to the Regular Army. Where this is not practicable, arrangements will be made to provide sufficient training ground locally. Requirements for training areas for the Territorial Army not exceeding 50 acres which do not involve the use of live ammunition or tracked 211 vehicles will be discussed locally by Territorial Army Associations with local authorities in the near future. Renovation of existing Territorial Army Headquarters has been in hand since the reconstitution of the Territorial Army was announced. The scope of the work has had to be limited to essential repairs and redecoration so that labour and materials will not be diverted from the national housing programme. The extension of buildings in permanent construction has not yet been started, nor is it considered practicable to do so at the present time. In certain cases where additional accommodation is essential, temporary hutting is being provided. A large building programme is, however, envisaged for the Territorial Army as soon as conditions permit.
§ Mr. Shephardis the hon. Gentleman aware that most territorial units are still without training grounds, particularly armoured units, and would he get into touch with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air to see whether some of the redundant aerodromes could not be handed over to these armoured units for training purposes?
§ Mr. FreemanI am very well aware of the fact that we have great difficulties in this field, but I am advised that in fact we have adequate training grounds for what is needed at the present although, of course, they will be totally inadequate for what we shall need very soon. I am giving the matter every consideration.