HC Deb 17 December 1962 vol 669 cc149-50W
Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects the dispersal of the Forester Brigade to take place.

Mr. Profumo

Arrangements for the dispersal of this brigade have already been put in hand. Adaptations have to be made to the depots of the three brigades which are receiving a regiment from the Forester Brigade, but I hope that the dispersal will be completed by the autumn of 1963.

In paying tribute to the loyal way in which this decision has been accepted, I wish to make it clear that the only reason that the choice fell on the Forester Brigade was that its dispersal could be effected with the least disturbance to the Infantry as a whole: the efficiency of the brigade has been of a high order and I much regret that its existence is to end.