HC Deb 24 October 1989 vol 158 cc659-60
9. Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will next visit the Nottingham, North constituency to visit the Territorial Army base in Hucknall lane.

Mr. Neubert

My right hon. Friend has no plans to visit the Territorial Army base in Hucknall lane, Nottingham, in the foreseeable future.

Mr. Allen

Is the Minister aware that the TA conforms to the Government policy of having conventional defence on the cheap? Would he agree to investigate those companies—particularly a number of those which donate to the Conservative party—which, unlike many other companies, do not allow their staff time off to participate in TA activities?

Mr. Neubert

The national employers' scheme is directed towards employers who are being encouraged to enable their working men and women to take time off for TA activities. I am pleased to say that as a result of the success of that scheme some 50 per cent. of the work force is involved.

Mr. Conway

If my right hon. Friend should change his mind and decide to visit that TA unit, will he take the opportunity to explain that instead of having equipment of the same high standard as its regular counterparts, if we ever followed the policies advocated by the Opposition and slashed £5 billion from the procurement programme, the TA would be drilling with broomshanks and plimsolls instead of up-to-date equipment?

Mr. Neubert

My hon. Friend draws what must be an irrefutable conclusion.