§ 3.25 p.m.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to ascertain from the Territorial Army and Air Force associations their opinion as to the advisability of extending to members of the Territorial Army by Order in Council under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces (Training) Act, 1951, the advantages already enjoyed by National Service men and Class Z reservists by virtue of the provisions of that Act, now that the associations have had the opportunity to obtain the considered view of units within their areas.]
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGH)My Lords, on March 14, 1951, the Secretary of the Council of Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations wrote to the chairmen of all associations inviting them to ascertain the views of officers and men on this matter and to forward their views and comments through their representative chairmen. This has now been done and replies have recently been received from all concerned. While there is a division of opinion on the subject, the weight of opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of leaving matters as they stand and relying on the co-operation of employers and others concerned.
THE EARL OF LIMERICKMy Lords, may I ask whether it can be assumed from the noble Viscount's very informative answer that, if experience during the rest of this year indicates that reconsideration of this subject would be helpful to the Territorial Army, His Majesty's Government will look into it again?
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHI am quite certain that the War Office would then, as at all times, desire to give the fullest consideration to any representations made by those who act so generously and voluntarily on behalf of the associations.