HC Deb 26 July 1950 vol 478 cc453-4
58. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Minister of Defence what opportunities to refresh and bring their military knowledge up to date are open to members of the Class Z reserves of the three Fighting Services and to members of the other reserves in which there is no current obligation to attend camps, drills or courses; and whether he will institute short courses at joint Service establishments for suitable Reserve officers who volunteer.

Mr. Shinwell

It is open to those in the Class Z and comparable reserves of the three Services who wish to refresh and bring their military knowledge up to date to join the appropriate reserve or auxiliary force, and such reservists would, of course, be very welcome. Arrangements have been made for members of certain other reserves to carry out refresher training on a voluntary basis, and the possibility of extending the facilities now provided is periodically reviewed.

Mr. Low

Has the right hon. Gentleman in mind the fact that, unless these men are given opportunities of refresher training, their value in the event of an emergency may not be as great as it otherwise would have been?

Mr. Shinwell

There is a great deal in what the hon. Member says, but he will recognise from his experience of the Services that there are very great difficulties in applying this suggested remedy.

Mr. Low

Are these not difficulties the right hon. Gentleman ought to be trying to get round?

Mr. Shinwell

As the hon. Member knows, I have tried to get round them; but one cannot get round everything.