To disband the Reds because of the current financial situation would be a futile, peevish and meaningless gesture, would bring no benefit to the Defence budget and would make our already greying nation even more colourless. They are a national asset, not an RAF toy to be chucked away as a gesture. They cost the Defence budget peanuts, are a rare source of genuine pride and a symbol of excellence which this country and its Armed Services needs more than ever in these dismal times.