2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

Ian Liddell-Grainger Excerpts

Thursday 18th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland West) (Lab)]

rose—

[Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) (Con)]

rose—

[Mrs Glindon]

I give way to the hon. Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset (Mr Liddell-Grainger) first.

[Mr Liddell-Grainger]

I was probably going to make the same point as the hon. Member for Washington and Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson). I was honoured to be a company commander in the then X company of the Northumberlands. I totally agree with what the hon. Lady says. The Northumberland Fusiliers had more battalions because it recruited from the strongest recruiting area almost in the country. I am glad that my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) mentioned the situation in Newcastle. Does she agree that the Fusiliers must continue to survive, because of their strength at all levels? The hon. Member for Washington and Sunderland West will probably say exactly the same thing.

[Mrs Glindon]

I give way to my hon. Friend the Member for Washington and Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson).