HC Deb 16 March 1972 vol 833 cc747-8
9. Mr. John Hannam

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will retain the Wessex Brigade Juniors Training Regiment at Wyvern Barracks, Exeter.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The training of juniors will not continue at Wyvern Barracks, Exeter after the closure of the depot there at the end of 1974.

Mr. Hannam

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that most people in the South-West regret this decision to move the Wessex Depot to Lichfield, although the recent decision to delay the move until 1974 is welcomed. Does he agree that the South-West peninsular, with its excellent record of recruitment and training into the Wessex Regiment, will now lose its infantry presence, and that this will have a bad effect on future recruitment in that area?

Mr. Johnson Smith

I can well understand my hon. Friend's feelings and those of his constituents on this matter. The Wessex Brigade has a very strong presence in Hampshire and Wiltshire. There will be a continued existence of regimental headquarters in the various areas and a strong TAVR presence. Army recruiting teams will visit the areas represented by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Emery

Is not the Minister rather glossing over this matter? The concept that there will be no headquarters presence of the Wessex Brigade in Somerset. Cornwall, Devon and Dorset is just not good enough. Of the three structures—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Is the hon. Gentleman asking a question or imparting information?

Mr. Emery

I am merely trying to make a speech, Mr. Speaker, and I apologise. Will my hon. Friend appreciate the strong feelings about this matter and try to do something in the next two years to give the Brigade an existence after 1974?

Mr. Johnson Smith

I do not want to ride away too easily on this matter by giving an assurance, and I am sorry that I cannot do so. The only local regimental recruitment which is liable to be affected by the closure of the Wessex depot is that of the Devon and Dorset Regiment. The present depot is a recruiting depot only. This stems from decisions taken at an earlier stage involving a slimming down of the Army. It was decided to change over from the brigade to the divisional concept, which means that in consequence we have fewer depots. These decisions have been taken, and it would be costly to go back on them.