HC Deb 26 February 1952 vol 496 cc914-5
10. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War what authority governs the publication of the Regulations for the Brigade of Guards.

Mr. Head

These Regulations, which relate to the dress, ceremonial duties, etc. of the Brigade of Guards, are issued on behalf of the Sovereign by the Senior Colonel of the Brigade of Guards. They were first published in 1853 by command of Queen Victoria and are brought up to date from time to time.

Mr. Wigg

Can we take it that there will be a new publication of these Regulations?

Mr. Head

There will not be a new publication of these Regulations until major amendments are made justifying a new issue.

14. Mr. Michael Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War in what respects the methods of obtaining a regular commission in the Brigade of Guards differ from those prevailing in other regiments and corps.

Mr. Head

There are no major differences between the Brigade of Guards and other regiments and corps in this matter.

Mr. Stewart

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is necessary for an officer, in order to get a regular commission in the Brigade of Guards, to have the approval of the commanding officer of one of the regiments in that Brigade?

Mr. Head

In all regiments of the British Army, before a commission is granted to a regiment the approval of the colonel has to be obtained.

Mr. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying then that there is no distinction whatever in that respect between the Brigade of Guards and other regiments?

Mr. Head

The distinction is only that in the Brigade of Guards the regimental lieutenant-colonel who is in fact a colonel, is a serving officer, whereas in most other regiments he is a past officer who has retired. The only other difference in the whole matter is that officers for commissioning in the Brigade of Guards go to Caterham and other officers do not. Otherwise the procedure is absolutely identical.