HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc727-8
23. Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the amount provided in the current estimates for warlike stores for the Territorial Army; the amount which it is estimated will be actually expended during the current financial year on the provision of such warlike stores; and the amount of the further expenditure which it is anticipated will be required for the provision of warlike stores for the Territorial Army between the end of the current financial year and the attainment of full strength by the Territorial Army.

Mr. Shinwell

The amount provided in Army Estimates for warlike stores is for the Army as a whole. This follows the policy of treating the Active Army and the Territorial Army as one. It is not practicable, therefore, to apportion the provision made between them. Stocks of equipment, vehicles, guns and other warlike stores are regarded as a common source from which to meet the requirements of units of the Active Army and of the Territorial Army as they arise. No separate accounts are kept for this purpose.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Does that statement mean that very much less was spent and is being spent than was estimated and is necessary; and does the right hon. Gentleman realise that some Territorial units have had up-to-date equipment taken away from them and out-of-date equipment substituted? Does he think it possible for the Territorial Army to attain anything like efficiency by such methods?

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will furnish me with details of units where modern equipment has been replaced by obsolete equipment, I shall be glad to have it.

Sir G. Jeffreys

I shall be very glad to do so.

Brigadier Head

Is the Minister aware that, apart from the present situation, unless money and material for realistic training are available in the future, the whole of this scheme will be turned into a farce; and, further, will he convince us that he is aware of that, and will take it into account?

Mr. Shinwell

I am certainly aware of that; I entirely agree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman.