§ 16. Brigadier Prior-Palmerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now consider providing refresher courses in staff training for officers in the Regular Army Reserve.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)This proposal has again been considered but the position remains as stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 22nd February, 1949.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerWill the right hon. Gentleman give this matter further urgent consideration in view of the fact that there are a large number of ex-staff officers who are only too willing and anxious to avail themselves of this opportunity, and also in view of the vital importance of keeping up to date the junior grade staff officers who are now in civilian life?
§ Mr. ShinwellI appreciate the fact that the Reserve officers are anxious to undergo these refresher courses, but it is not a practical proposition at the moment. However, the matter will be kept under review.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the Minister say on what grounds this idea was turned down? Was it because of finance or otherwise?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt was because of a combination of circumstances. I could not reply in detail at this stage.