HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 cc685-6
22. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement concerning the Territorial Army and the Volunteer Reserve.

Mr. Reynolds

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my written Answer of 22nd April to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Scotstoun (Mr. Small).

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it the intention in the case of the future structure of the Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserve to allow these reserve troops to wear the regimental facings and cap badges of the units affiliated to the county regiments—as in the case of Worcestershire—which have formed such an important part of volunteer tradition during the last 400 years?

Mr. Reynolds

Any hon. Member who has visited Territorial Army units in the past few years will have seen the multiplicity of badges. It would be a very brave man who tried to alter that situation.

Mr. Younger

Would the Minister say something about the position of the civilian staff who work for Territorial Army Associations? Is he aware that for many months they have been extremely worried about the future of their jobs? Could he confirm how many of them are likely to be kept on?

Mr. Reynolds

I cannot say how many are likely to be required. We still have under consideration the disposition of the Home Defence Force. We are still having consultations with the associations and unions concerned in respect of compensation and other provisions for these employees.

Mr. Powell

Does the Minister recognise that the House so far has had no opportunity to debate the Government's revised proposals, including those for the Home Defence Force, and that we shall wish to consider these on principle and on broad lines when we come to his Bill?

Mr. Reynolds

I have no doubt that there will be ample opportunity in a few weeks' time on the Second Reading of the Bill and in subsequent Committee stages.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Before we debate the Bill, would the right hon. Gentleman consider laying a White Paper to explain what the Government have in mind regarding the earmarking of reserve forces for purposes in the United Nations forces? Would he bear in mind that there are certain liabilities which people have undertaken which must not be betrayed by the Government?

Mr. Reynolds

If British troops are used to give assistance to United Nations forces they go as formed units and come under whatever control they come under. I have been in considerable correspondence with the hon. Gentleman on this matter.