§ 45. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for War what time is required to mobilise from the strategic reserve in the United Kingdom a force equivalent to a brigade group with its supporting arms and services and to fit that force for active operations.
§ Mr. J. AmeryA force equivalent to a brigade group with its supporting arms and services is held permanently in fit strength and condition for active operations.
§ 46. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that the present system of drawing stores on mobilisation from various depots in different parts of the country is best suited for operations not involving general mobilisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. AmeryUnits hold as much of their war equipment as they can. The remainder is stored in depots nearest to the place where each unit will be mobilised. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these are the most practical arrangements, whether for general mobilisation or for any smaller operations.
§ 47. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that when it is necessary to form and mobilise formation headquarters for emergency operations, there is an adequate cadre of fully trained officers and other ranks available to ensure that such headquarters are capable of functioning efficiently before deployment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. AmerySatisfactory arrangements exist. It would not be in the public interest to disclose details.