§ 12. Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with senior Army officers about future plans for the Territorial Army.
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and learned Friend and I have regular discussions with senior Army officers, including Brigadier Holmes, on a wide range of issues, including future plans for the Territorial Army.
§ Mr. RathboneIn those conversations, will my hon. Friend resist any temptation further to cut the territorial forces, by 15 per cent. or by any greater or lesser amount, especially after the cuts of 30 per cent. or more made under "Options for Change"? Will he bear in mind especially the calls by the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment of Sussex and the Fourth Royal Green Jackets, with which I was proud to serve, because, as the Regular Army is cut, the reserves are all the more important?
§ Mr. HanleyAs I said earlier—I shall say it again to my hon. Friend—no decisions on the future size and shape of the Territorial Army have yet been taken, although there will be announcements before long. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his letters; they have formed part of the consultation exercise.