§ 7 and 8. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he is satisfied that units on mobilisation are able to deal adequately with the medical examination, sorting and equipment of reservists reporting direct to the units in addition to the task of re-equipment, training, and movement; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether, in calculating the time taken to train units for active operations after mobilisation, account is taken of the dislocation of training caused by the influx of reservists and the drawing of stores and equipment.
§ Mr. John HareCareful arrangements have been made, and are kept constantly under review, to ensure that if mobilisation should be necessary it could be carried through in the shortest possible time. Due account has been taken of the processes listed by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HallDoes not this mean that there has been a very considerable improvement since the time of Suez? Does it mean that a unit in the United Kingdom on the strategic reserve could be mobilised and be fully and operationally fit within seven days or some lesser period?
§ Mr. HareReplying to the last part of the question, we can send certain forces into action very quickly. Replying to the question about Suez, of course this is a question of mobilisation, which was not involved in the Suez campaign; that was a question of calling back reservists to provide our reinforcements. We are, of course, taking full account of the experience we gained at that time.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of seeing that men who are on the Reserve and who will be needed in an emergency are medically inspected regularly? If that were done, it would save a lot of trouble when they are eventually called up and sometimes are found unfit.
§ Mr. HareThis question has been raised before. It would involve far too much expense to carry out the procedure which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.