HC Deb 23 July 1958 vol 592 cc392-3
3. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the discrimination by the commanding officer of the North-West District, Mixed Signals Regiment, Territorial Army, in favour of Regular personnel against Territorial Army personnel, resulting in dissatisfaction by the members of the Territorial Army; and, in view of the fact that this is liable to result in many resignations from the Territorial Army unit, if he will order an inquiry into the administration of the unit in order to investigate this matter.

Mr. J. Amery

I have found no evidence of discrimination against the Territorial Army personnel in this unit, nor have I any reason to believe that its members are dissatisfied with the way the unit is administered. One officer has resigned, but there have been fifty new volunteers in the same period.

Mrs. Braddock

Is not the Minister aware that correspondence has been going on with his Department for quite a while with reference to the difficulties in this Territorial unit? Will he reconsider the question of an inquiry into the whole administration in view of the fact that I can now present him with statements from four responsible officers, Lieut.-Colonel Arden, Lieut. Carmichael, Lieut. Fletcher and Major Griffiths, with reference to the curious things going on in this unit which, in my opinion, require full consideration and full inquiry? Is not the Minister further aware that the whole position is being undermined by the difficulties created by the discrimination between the Regulars and the Territorials?

Mr. Amery

I have investigated the whole question very carefully; but if the hon. Lady has further information to put before us, we should certainly be very glad to have it.

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