§ 28. Mr. Shortasked the Secretary of State for War if he will discontinue the mounted horseguards in Whitehall during the winter months.
§ Mr. ShortDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is rather silly to keep two men there sitting on their horses throughout the winter months, especially as they often sit back in the alcoves and can neither see nor be seen? As anyone wanting to enter the building, where there is not very much to guard now, can go in by the back way and not be seen by the sentries, is this not another example of the waste of manpower in the Guards?
§ Mr. HeadIf the hon. Gentleman wishes to economise in manpower, it is perfectly logical to say that this guard should be abolished. It is retained there not for purely military purposes but for traditional reasons. As to the point about their being cold, the horse has a sheepskin coat on it and the man wears a cloak. One can put on a great deal of clothing under a cloak. In very cold weather the sentries are relieved every 20 minutes. I think that to abolish this traditional and very decorative ceremony would be most unwise.
Air Commodore HarveyWould it not be more helpful if the hon. Gentleman, in view of his supplementary question, asked the Secretary of State for Air if he would substitute for these sentries helicopters and airmen?