86 and 87. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State (1) whether he will give an assurance that when expanding the number of technical units required under the new defence organisation, he will convert for the purpose infantry battalions which may no longer be needed in their traditional role before creating new units of any technical arm;
(2) whether he will give an assurance that where it may be necessary, under the new defence organisation, to disband the Regular or Territorial battalions of a county infantry regiment, the name and county affiliation will be maintained by the conversion of such battalions into technical units, so ensuring that their valuable traditions as well as their honoured names are continued.
§ Mr. John HareThe changes to be made have not yet been decided; but I shall bear in mind the points made by my hon. Friend.