HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc1326-7
12. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for preserving adequate reserve forces on which to build in war time.

41. Mr. Cronin

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for enabling rapid expansion by the Services in an emergency after the recently announced economies have taken place.

Mr. Healey

Plans for reserve forces will be considered in conjunction with the studies we are making of the role, size and shape of our Regular Forces.

Mr. Goodhew

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the faster he runs down the Regular Forces, the more essential it is to maintain Reserve Forces on which to build? Why has he announced the virtual abolition of the T.A. before this review has been carried out?

Mr. Healey

The hon. Gentleman must know that the size of our forces overall, Reserve or Regular, must depend on the tasks they are called on to carry out. The Government have decided on a substantial reduction in the tasks of the Armed Forces, particularly outside Europe. This means that it is necessary, first, to consider the size and shape of the Regular Forces, and then to decide on adjustments if any Reserve organisation is required to meet them.

Mr. Fortescue

Will the Minister assure the House that he will not cause to be sold the drill halls which are so essential for the rapid re-formation of these Reserve Forces?

Mr. Healey

I take the point made by the hon. Gentleman. We are looking into this at the moment.

Mr. Paget

Now that we are confining ourselves largely to a European role, will my right hon. Friend take note of the fact that every one of our Allies considers a Reserve Army necessary?

Mr. Healey

My hon. and learned Friend will be aware that we have a Reserve Army, and a very much more efficient one than before the reorganisation of the T.A. was carried out by this Government only two years ago.