HC Deb 12 March 1935 vol 299 cc183-4
9. Brigadier-General NATION

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is proposed to take any steps to restore the strength of the officers training corps, junior division, which has declined by over 4,000 in the last four years?

Mr. HACKING

No, Sir. It is true that there has been a large decrease in the total strength of these corps since 1930, but in spite of that fact there has been practically no decrease at all in the numbers of cadets who have proceeded to commissions in the Territorial Army and the Supplementary Reserve. The precise figures for commissions were 512 in the year ending 30th September, 1930, and 506 in the year ending 30th September, 1934.

Brigadier-General NATION

Do the War Office contemplate disbanding any further units?

Mr. HACKING

No, Sir, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, certain units have been disbanded and certain replacements have been made, but it is not the intention of the War Office, for the present at any rate, to alter the existing position.