§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State (1) whether he will give instructions that no further equipment is to be withdrawn from units in the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve III until Parliament makes a decision as to its future rôle;
(2) whit instructions he has given for equipment held by units of the Territorial 226W and Army Volunteer Reserve III to be withdrawn from these units.
§ Mr. ReynoldsCommands have been authorised to arrange for the withdrawal of equipment held by units of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve III if the shortage of permanent staff makes it impossible for units to safeguard or maintain it. Any such withdrawals will in no way prejudice the decision on the possible future use of the assets and manpower of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve III on which I hope an announcement can be made before long.
§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will issue a Special Order of the Day congratulating and thanking all ranks in the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve III for their devotion to duty in serving at their own expense during summer 1968.
§ Mr. ReynoldsI fully appreciate the keenness and enthusiasm of members of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve III in continuing to train during the Summer of 1968. As the hon. Member knows, it is hoped to make a statement on the Army Reserves later this year, and it will be better to consider in the light of that statement what formal expression of thanks would be appropriate.