§ CAPTAIN CLIVE (Herefordshire, Ross)To ask the Secretary of State for War under what circumstances men of the Territorial Force are liable for thirty days training under Section 15 (2) (a) of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The object of Sub-section (2) (a) of Section 15 is to enable a unit under exceptional circumstances to train for a longer period than that laid down in Sub-section (1). The sub-section follows the wording of Section 17 of the Militia Act, 1882, with the substitution of thirty days for fifty-six. The provision for such extension of training has been found to work well in practice, and the scientific branches of the Militia have frequently availed themselves of its advantages. It must be remembered that the proviso as to dispensing with individual attendances applies to this sub-section. Further, it can only be brought into operation by an Order in Council.