HC Deb 08 March 1955 vol 538 cc30-1W
85. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a further statement about the future of units in Anti-Aircraft Command.

Mr. F. Maclean

The plan for the reduction of Anti-Aircraft Command involves the amalgamation of 95 existing Territorial Army Anti-Aircraft regiments to form our new anti-aircraft ground defences. Of the remaining Territorial Army Anti-Aircraft regiments, 34 are to be amalgamated, generally to form other types of artillery, 15 are to be disbanded, and nine are to be placed in suspended animation.

Throughout the planning, Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations have been consulted. An operation of this kind cannot be carried out without affecting the interests of units and individuals, but I believe that the plan that has been evolved in consultation with Anti-Aircraft and Home Commands and the Associations is the fairest that could have been devised.

86. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement about the future role of 645 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, Buckinghamshire, Territorial Army.

Mr. F. Maclean

Two batteries of this famous regiment are being retained in Buckinghamshire as part of a new Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. There will be other parts of this unit in Berkshire, Surrey and Oxford.