§ 44. Mr. McKibbinasked the Secretary of State for War on what date it is proposed to disband the 2nd Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
§ Mr. McKibbinWhilst regretting that my right hon. Friend has not changed his mind about disbanding this battalion, may I ask if he does not consider that a portion of the money being saved owing to the absence of National Service in Northern Ireland could be usefully spent in keeping alive this battalion of the famous "Skins," which has always attracted recruits in Ireland?
§ Mr. HeadIt is with great reluctance that I see any of these battalions disbanded, but it must be our object to keep the Army as small as possible with due regard to the size of our commitments. Hon. Gentlemen cannot press me to reduce manpower and expenditure and at the same time press me to keep the same number of battalions in existence.