HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 cc417-9
13. Miss Harvie Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his consultations regarding a possible move toward larger infantry regiments have now been completed; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. John Profumo)

In February I invited Lieutenant-General Sir Roger Bower to be the chairman of a committee which I set up to study the implications of a move towards the large infantry regiment, and to make recommendations to me on the advisability, the nature and the timing of any changes. The committee has not yet completed its work, and I have therefore nothing at present to add to my statement in the debate on the Army Estimates on 8th March.

Miss Harvie Anderson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that delay obviously causes increasing anxieties in this matter? Can he give an assurance that any such reorganisation will enable all existing regiments to continue their existence, and that in any future overall amalgamation the Highland Brigade and the Lowland Brigade will be allowed to retain their identity?

Mr. Profumo

I recognise that a question of this sort must inevitably attract speculation, but this sort of examination cannot be rushed. The last thing that I want to do is to intervene in the deliberations of a committee which I have set up to consider the matter. At this stage I would be prejudging the results of that committee's investigations if I gave my hon. Friend any undertaking. I hope that she will appreciate from my reply that there will be a very careful examination, in the way that I envisaged when I spoke in the debate on the Estimates.

Mr. Paget

Surely the right hon. Gentleman does not have to go far beyond simple mathematics to know that he has not enough men to fill the units, and that these units must be reduced, which means that we must have another organisation.

Mr. Profumo

I do not agree with that assertion at all. If the hon. and learned Gentleman goes into the figures I do not think that he will be able to substantiate that allegation. The point is that when, in 1957, the reorganisation was planned, it was not envisaged that this was the perfect solution. All that we are doing at present is to reappraise the situation in the light of experience, for the greatest benefit of the Army.

Miss Harvie Anderson

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that in the case of the Highland Brigade and the Lowland Brigade particularly, the strictures suggested by the hon. and learned Member do not apply? That was part of the point of my Question.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it not lead to adverse criticism as well as militating against recruitment in certain areas if the right hon. Gentleman's intention is—as he seemed to suggest—to disband regiments like the Durham Light Infantry or the Black Watch? Is it advisable to do that?

Mr. Profumo

I have not mentioned the word "disband". I have merely said that I have set up a committee of very senior officers—all of whom are infantry officers—merely to reappraise the situation which arose out of the reorganisation in 1957. There is no question of disbandment at this stage. I have asked for recommendations from this committee. I do not know what it will recommend, and I do not intend to intervene in a matter which, at this stage, must be primarily for the infantry.

Mr. Rankin

When the situation has been considered and reappraised, and when recommendations are made to the right hon. Gentleman, will the House have an opportunity of considering and debating them?

Mr. Profumo

The committee will not make any decisions; it will merely recommend to the Army Council. I expect that the Army Council will be able to look at this matter in the summer. When I have made up my mind I shall tell the House. The question whether the House debates the matter is not one for me.