§ 4. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the remaining units of the Northamptonshire Yeomanry.
§ The Minister of Defence for Administration (Mr. G. W. Reynolds)This title is now borne only by "A" Company (Northamptonshire Yeomanry), the Northamptonshire Regiment (Territorial). When this Regiment disbands, its title may be preserved in the way explained in my statement of 28th November, by being conferred on a cadre.—[Vol. 774, c. 739–48.]
§ Mr. MartenWould the Minister consider re-forming the Northamptonshire Yeomanry as a squadron based on the county, with another two squadrons based 1355 on the two neighbouring counties, so that the three squadrons can form a three-counties regiment and so keep the yeomanry spirit of those people in those counties who long to serve in a yeomanry regiment?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI fail to see how that will be possible within the plan recently announced.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in 1939 the Northamptonshire Yeomanry was expanded from one squadron into two very fine regiments? Would he not consider it prudent to keep it in existence, even in a very small form, in case a similar expansion is needed in future?
§ Mr. ReynoldsWhat the hon. Member has just said applied to pretty well every Territorial unit in the country in 1938.