HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 cc1078-9
48. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are being made for annual camps for the Territorial Army this year.

Mr. Reynolds

All Territorial Army training, including annual camps, will continue as previously planned.

Mr. Johnson

Have the usual camps been made available for the use of the forces in the usual way? If so, is not this a little unusual if we are to abolish the Territorial Army, which is the Government's intention as we know it?

Mr. Reynolds

It is completely usual. We want things to go on as usual this year, because it is essential that we should be able to provide, on 1st April, 1967, a sufficient number of volunteers from the Territorial Army to join the new Force which the Government propose.

Sir T. Beamish

Does that answer imply that the Territorial Army should go to camp and train in the usual way next year?

Mr. Reynolds

The Army Volunteer Reserve will be training next year in its usual way.

Sir G. Nicholson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the opinion prevails in the Territorial Army that definite decisions have been taken and have statutory effect? Will he take steps to disillusion the Territorial Army and point out that all that has happened is that a White Paper has been approved?

Mr. Reynolds

The White Paper has been approved by the House and legislation will be introduced in the near future.