HC Deb 15 October 1969 vol 788 cc382-3
9. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of recruits to the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve II are issued with 1945 pattern uniform.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Ivor Richard)

None, Sir.

Mr. Allason

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his recruiting posters show modern equipment, whereas I can give him details of recruits who are being equipped with the 1945 pattern equipment? Would he look into this?

Mr. Richard

If the hon. Gentleman has details of troops in the TAVR II, which is what the Question refers to, being equipped with the 1945 battledress, perhaps he will let me have them.

10. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what increases in infantry battalion equipment have been made to the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve II units where an additional company has been added in the recent re-organisation.

Mr. Richard

The additional companies have been formed within the infantry battalions' establishments. Each battalion has its full scale of equipment and there is therefore no need to increase it.

Mr. Allason

If there is the equivalent of an additional company added to a battalion, surely it needs further equipment? Is the Minister satisfied with the position where a platoon has no mortar, no wireless and too few rifles?

Mr. Richard

The additional companies are within the battalions' establishment, and the battalions are properly equipped. If the hon. Gentleman has a specific matter in mind, perhaps he will let me have the details and I will look at it.