HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc1323-4
9. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations with the Territorial Army Council take place before changes are made in the Territorial Army.

Mr. Reynolds

It depends on the changes. Her Majesty's Government determine the policy for the Army Reserves, that is, their role, size and shape, but consult the Council of Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations on the method of implementing that policy.

Mr. Allason

Surely it requires some consultation with the Council of the Territorial Army Association if it is expected to operate with a large slice of the Territorial Army cut out. Is not this a shabby way to treat the T.A. Council? How can the Minister possibly expect future co-operation when it has been treated like this?

Mr. Reynolds

If the hon. Gentleman reads my Answer he will see. I main- tain it is the job of the Government to determine general policy, role, size and shape. As regards the administration of the policy, my right hon. Friend and I are consulting the Council of Territorial Army Associations. I do not take the rather cynical view which the hon. Gentleman appears to take about its reaction to the matter.

Mr. Powell

How much notice was given to the T.A. Council of the drastic decision announced on 16th January? Is it not disgraceful that it should have been brought to the knowledge of those most concerned only an hour or two before the announcement that a fundamental change was intended?

Mr. Reynolds

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman would have used more adjectives than disgraceful if other people had been told of my right hon. Friend's statement on the 16th more than an hour or two before the House was told.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

How will the Minister explain to the T.A. Council that the British Government of all the N.A.T.O. Allies is the only one that does not find it necessary to have adequate military reserves?

Mr. Reynolds

The military reserves of the Regular Army are provided in the T. & A.V.R. I and II. The Reserves to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring are the home defence element of the T. & A.V.R.