Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 23 Chwefror 1954.
Mr Airey Neave
, Abingdon
12:00,
23 Chwefror 1954
asked the Secretary of State for War how many Territorial units had their fortnight's annual camp outside the United Kingdom in 1951, 1952 and 1953; and the policy of his Department with respect to the future training of Territorials abroad.
Mr Anthony Head
, Carshalton
None, Sir. But two airborne units took part in manoeuvres in Germany. The training of the Territorial Army is carried out in this country, except for a limited number of individuals whose training can best be done on the Continent. Some 2,000 members of the Army Emergency Reserve trained in Germany last year.
Mr Airey Neave
, Abingdon
Would my right hon. Friend extend this training as much as he possibly can so that Territorials of all ranks may get some experience of international military training?
Mr Anthony Head
, Carshalton
There is a great deal to be said for that, but the difficulty is, first, the limited period of a fortnight and, second, the expense of moving large numbers of troops.
Brigadier Sir Otho Prior-Palmer
, Worthing
Would my right hon. Friend consider allowing Territorial officers to attend exercises in Germany during their period of training so that they may be accustomed to territory over which they may have to fight?
Mr Anthony Head
, Carshalton
Yes, Sir, I will consider that.
Mr Airey Neave
, Abingdon
asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make further facilities available to Territorials for the study of modern languages in the course of their training.
Mr Anthony Head
, Carshalton
I am keeping a careful watch on the numbers of interpreters and linguists needed both by the Regular and Territorial Armies on mobilisation, and I do not think that further facilities for the Territorial Army are justified in present circumstances.
Mr Airey Neave
, Abingdon
Will my right hon. Friend encourage such training a little more than at present with a view to creating suitable military intelligence staffs for the future?
Mr Anthony Head
, Carshalton
We keep a very careful account of all officers who have language skills and who might make interpreters. But there are only 15 days in which the Territorials may train, and I do not think we should be justified in starting courses of study during that time.
