HC Deb 22 November 1994 vol 250 cc463-4
14. Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received calling for the restoration of county regiments.

Mr. Soames

I am not aware of any such representations being received by my Department in the past year.

Mr. Field

As my hon. Friend is newly appointed, he probably has not heard my representations. May I tell him how popular it would be if we were to reintroduce the county regiments as Territorial Army units, such as the Isle of Wight Rifles, the Hampshires and the Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry, which would preserve not only the great regimental history of our nation but our regimental processions?

Mr. Soames

There is no doubt that we have all heard my hon. Friend's views now, and he is quite right. The Isle of Wight Rifles, of which he has been a splendid champion and which are now members of C company, the sixth and seventh battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, are a very fine unit and will be glad to have my hon. Friend's support. Our many other county regiments are well supported and highly successful and they bring honour and credit to our armed forces, which are one of the greatest jewels in the crown of this country's life.