§ 39. Mr. Murtonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what study he is conducting into the advantages and disadvantages of forming a corps of infantry; if he will pay full regard at an early stage to the views of colonels of regiments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyNo such study is in hand. As is generally known, the policy of the Army Board is to move towards the Large Regiment as the basis of infantry organisation. The first such regiment, the Royal Anglian Regiment, was formed in September, 1964, and the Royal Green-jacket Regiment will come into being in January next year. These Large Regiments have been formed as a result of voluntary action, and I would welcome the move of other brigades towards a similar organisation.
§ Mr. MurtonAs such a proposal would strike at the whole root of the infantry regimental system, should this ever occur will he give an assurance that the House will have a chance to debate it before the decision reaches an irrevocable stage?
§ Mr. MulleyI have already made it clear that this proposal is not in the mind of the Army Board at present. While no one can foresee the future completely on the question of Army organisation, I think 153 it is unlikely that such a proposal will be forthcoming in the next year or two, but if there is such a question, I am sure that the House will have much to say about it.