With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I wish to present a Petition, signed by 1,750 of my constituents, referring to the Territorial Army.

My constituents, believing that the Territorial Army is an instrument of defence rather than the reverse, are of the opinion that it has a rôle to fill in the event of a national emergency, that it has a strong local influence in support of the Regular Forces and that it has a part to play in the social life and training of the younger members of the community.

The Petition ends:

Wherefore, your Petitioners pray that the House of Commons do urge Her Majesty's Government to consider the reorganisation of the Territorial Army further before bringing firm proposals to Parliament.

And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.