§ MR. LAMBERTTo ask the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken with regard to recruiting for the short-service and general-service Army respectively; and, if no steps have been taken, will he state when it is proposed to commence recruiting for these two classes of service.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The figures given in reply to a Question put to-day by the hon. Member for the Thanet Division of Kent will explain the results of the introduction of the nine years enlistment scheme. The commencement of short-service recruiting must depend upon the progress made in recruiting for general service, but, in view of the figures which I have given to the House to-day, I am hopeful that the date for opening short-service recruiting may be reached within the present year.