HC Deb 26 June 1951 vol 489 cc1160-1
10. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War what opportunities now exist for officers of Territorial Army Reserve of Officers and other Class Z officers to refresh their knowledge, particularly of staff duties and army organisations.

Mr. Strachey

A number of 14-day courses will be run at the Staff College, Camberley, during the second half of 1951, each for 24 selected students from the Territorial Army Reserve, the Regular Army Reserve and the unemployed list, which corresponds so far as officers are concerned to the Z Reserve. In addition, a number of 14-day courses will be run at the Senior Officers School for officers of the same Reserves, to provide refresher tactical training at battalion level.

Mr. Low

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the suggestion he has now adopted was made a year ago, and that it would have been much better for all concerned if the suggestion had been adopted earlier? Would he say what exactly is the position of the officers on the Reserve who are called up, whether they will be subject to military law or whether they will be paid and, in particular, how he will bring it about that they are subject to the Official Secrets Acts?

Mr. Strachey

I should like to see that series of questions on the Order Paper. when I should be very willing to answer them.

Colonel Ropner

Are officers on the Reserve and unemployed list eligible to attend these courses if they are not called up and, if so, how do they learn that these courses are being held?

Mr. Strachey

I should like to have that question also on the Order Paper. The arrangements are only now being made, and it is an important question.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider another suggestion of mine with a view to its adoption, that is, to have week-end courses as well so as not to interrupt the normal activities of these officers?

Mr. Strachey

All these things are clearly desirable, but there is a great pressure on the teaching staffs and the suggestions may not always be practicable.

Mr. Low

Surely a proper answer to this Question would have included information on how these courses were to be brought to the notice of the officers on the Class Z Reserve or the T.A.R.O.? Is the right hon. Gentleman not briefed on that subject at all?

Mr. Strachey

If the hon. Member makes suggestions for my answers, I might make suggestions for his questions.

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