HC Deb 24 April 1951 vol 487 cc194-5
12. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the purpose of the badges issued to members of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers; and how much money is being spent on them.

Mr. Strachey

These badges were introduced in 1939 as a measure of recognition of the important part which members of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers, as well as members of the Royal Army Reserve, played in national defence. Issue of the badges was suspended during the war, and has recently been resumed in the case of volunteer members of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. Officers are required to return the badge when they cease to be serving members of the Reserve, and the stocks provided before the war are likely to meet all requirements for some time.

Mr. Keeling

As officers on the active list do not now wear uniform when not on duty, is it likely that members of this Reserve of Officers will wear these badges; has the Secretary of State ever seen in recent times an officer wear such a badge, and, if not, might not this issue be discontinued as a futile frill?

Mr. Strachey

This issue is a legacy from the Conservative Government before the war, and we thought it might be used up.

Captain Duncan

What happens when an officer, who is called upon to return the badge on retiring, has lost it? What is the value of the badge?

Mr. Strachey

I should require notice of that question.