THE EARL OF ROSEBERYrose to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War if there was any immediate prospect of the restoration of cavalry to Scotland. The noble Earl said: My Lords, I promise not to add anything to the nightly catechism of my noble friend opposite, or to detain your Lordships for more than a minute. The question of cavalry in Scotland has become a topic of very widespread interest. We have had frequent assurances that the withdrawal was only temporary, and in one answer the limit of two years was given, I think, more than two years ago. I am sure my noble friend will thank me for enabling him to make a statement which I trust will reassure Scotland on this point.
THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Lord LUCAS)My Lords, the noble Earl will be glad to know that money was taken in this year's Estimates for the purchase of a site, and that we have been by no means inactive in regard to looking out for one, although, for obvious reasons in matters of this kind, it is impossible for me to disclose either the site or the actual date on which it is proposed to purchase it. I can assure the noble Earl that steps are 725 being taken, and I hope to be able to give a more definite answer in a very short time.