HC Deb 06 March 1951 vol 485 c231
39. Mr. Michael Astor

asked the Secretary of State for War what are his plans for the 1st Cadet Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps.

Mr. Strachey

On 1st January, 1951, this battalion was amalgamated with the 1st City of London Cadet Regiment, in which it provides two companies. These companies continue to wear the badge of and are affiliated to the King's Royal Rifle Corps.

Mr. Astor

Could the Secretary of State make this point rather more clear? Will this battalion, which has battle honours and has distinguished itself in three wars, be losing its identity, which is frightfully important?

Mr. Strachey

To be quite frank, I think there is a partial loss of identity, and I entirely agree that that is a great pity and a very sad thing. Nevertheless, for reasons which have been given at length in this House, I am afraid these amalgamations are inevitable.

Mr. Astor

I understand that there must be certain re-organisation, but in view of this battalion's particular record, starting in the South African War, could not the right hon. Gentleman do something rather less drastic, as otherwise this will deal a very severe blow at the cadet movement as a whole?

Mr. Strachey

This particular arrangement has been agreed to by the two colonels-commandant of the King's Royal Rifle Corps after very careful consideration, and I should be loth to try to modify it now.