HC Deb 12 February 1957 vol 564 cc1056-7
16. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the future training and organisation of the 43rd (Wessex) and 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Divisions of the Territorial Army at present earmarked for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Mr. Hare

It has already been announced that National Service men including those in these divisions will not be called up for part-time training this year. I have no other change to report in the training, organisation or rôle of the Territorial Army.

Mr. Wigg

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman realises that these two divisions had been earmarked to reinforce N.A.T.O.? If, in fact, they are not to get a stream of fit young men with a high degree of training and efficiency, what is the use of earmarking them, because they will be valueless?

Mr. Hare

I think that the hon. Gentleman knows that National Service men are fully trained when they start their part-time service. Although we are not calling up National Service men who have finished their full-time service and who are being posted to divisions this year, the state of readiness of the latter will not be seriously affected.

Mr. Strachey

Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear whether, when he talks about not having called up part-time Service men, that refers to the camps and the weekly drills, or only to the camps?

Mr. Hare

It refers to both.