HC Deb 14 January 1971 vol 809 cc236-7
10. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future employment of Norton Barracks, Worcester, for Regular and Territorial units; and his proposals to continue close affiliation and ties between the county regiments and Norton Barracks.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Norton Barracks is now occupied by a Signal Regiment and some smaller units, including The Regimental Headquarters of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. No changes in the occupation of the Barracks are at present envisaged.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would my hon. Friend recognise that the tendency in recent years to sever the close connection and affiliation between the traditional recruiting grounds of the county regiments and the regiments themselves has had a most unfortunate effect on attracting new recruits? Would he therefore, establish, as a general principle, that a county regiment's headquarters should be in the county, as in the case of Norton Barracks and the Worcestershire Regiment, to enhance recruiting and attract larger numbers of men to the colours?

Mr. Gilmour

We are not responsible for the tendencies of the last few years.

Sir G. Nabarro

I quite agree.

Mr. Gilmour

I agree with the principle laid down by my hon. Friend.

Sir G. Nabarro

Good.

Mr. Gilmour

I cannot give a general undertaking, but I assure my hon. Friend that there are no plans to alter the situation of the Worcestershire Regiment.

Sir G. Nabarro

That is a reasonably satisfactory answer.

Mr. Longden

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a vast recruiting ground in County Durham with no regiment for it to go to?

Mr. Gilmour

We are aware that there are some gaps in the geographic situation, but I am hoping that this will improve.