HC Deb 25 November 1952 vol 508 cc252-3
39. Mr. Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the creation of sufficient teams and the testing of mobilisation machinery; and how far this will affect the Z call-up in 1953.

43. Brigadier Peto

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make a statement with regard to the call-up of reservists for training next year, 1953.

Mr. Head

During the past two years the Army has called up over 300,000 men. This has enabled us to bring men together in most of the units which will be needed in the early stages of mobilisation and to tide over the period while the Territorial Army was filling up with National Service men. By this means and through the increasing numbers of National Service men now in the Territorial Army, its strength and state of preparedness have greatly improved.

It is not proposed to call up any Army Z reservists for training in 1953. My noble Friend has asked me to announce at the same time that he does not propose to ask for authority to call up R.A.F. G reservists.

I would take this opportunity of expressing the appreciation of Her Majesty's Government of the way in which the vast majority of these reservists have responded; and also of the hard work of the officers and other ranks of the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces in handling this extra responsibility.

Mr. Harvey

Will my right hon. Friend take note that this thoroughly intelligent appreciation of the situation will give great satisfaction in every quarter?

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Will my right hon. Friend say what steps he proposes to take to fill up the gaps in the tail of the Army of B.A.O.R.?

Mr. Head

A good many of these men have already been called up to the tail.