HC Deb 26 November 1970 vol 807 cc587-9
4. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of State for Defence what proposals he has for reviving County Yeomanry units within the expansion of the Territorial Army.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The ways and means of expanding the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve are still being considered in conjunction with the Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations.

Mr. Marten

Will the Minister recognise that there is a great volume of good will in the county yeomanry regiments which should be used? Will he pay attention to what the T.A. Association says when it recognises that there is this pool of good will to be tapped?

Mr. Gilmour

Of course I fully recognise what my hon. Friend says, and these matters are currently under discussion.

23. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the disposition of the additional Territorial and Auxiliary Volunteer Reserve Armoured Car Regiment, the formation of which was announced in the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy 1970, Command Paper Number 4521, paragraph 25.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

This is one of the matters still under discussion with the Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations.

Sir J. Gilmour

Can my hon. Friend give the House an assurance that those yeomanry regiments that have used their own funds to continue in training, and those that have had to remain with a minute cadre, will be given every opportunity to remain in this organisation?

Mr. Gilmour

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. I can only say that these are all matters that are being taken into consideration in our consultations.

26. Major-General James d'Avigdor-Goldsmid

asked the Minister of State for Defence on what scale vehicles and wireless sets will be issued to the infantry type unit to be resuscitated in the proposed expansion of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

This is receiving consideration.

Major-General d'Avigdor-Goldsmid

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. When he is going through this will he bear in mind the importance of mobility and communication in those forces, not only from the point of view of their efficiency, but because of their attraction to recruiting? May I also ask him—[An HON. MEMBER: "Take your hands out of your pockets."]—to consider allowing these forces to use the type of wireless set used by the police?

Mr. Gilmour

We shall, of course, consider all the matters raised by my hon. and gallant Friend, who has considerable experience of these matters.

27. Major-General James d'Avigdor-Goldsmid

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether the original purpose-built Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve centre at Sittingbourne will be returned for the use of the newly expanding Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

No, Sir.

Major-General d'Avigdor-Goldsmid

I am sorry.

Mr. Gilmour

So am I, but the reason is that unfortunately under the policy then prevailing this building was transferred to the Ministry of Public Building and Works in 1968.