§ MR. ARTHUR LEEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the present strength of the Special Reserve, 736 as compared with its establishment; how many of the men already enlisted in the Special Reserve have either joined, or announced their intention of joining, the Regular Army; and what approximate number of vacancies in the Special Reserve does he anticipate will be available for recruits from the ranks of the unemployed during the coming winter.
§ MR. HALDANEThe strength of the Special Reserve (all arms) on 1st October was 61,291, out of an establishment of 77,089. 3,951 men had joined the Regular Army by 1st October. It is not possible to say how many men intend to join the Regular Army, as they are not asked on joining the Reserve whether they intend to join the Regular Army. Taking into calculation the probable wastage, it may be estimated that there will be room for about 24,000 being gradually taken during the winter.