Mr. MURRAY MACDONALDasked whether any estimate had been formed of the ultimate cost of the proposed new Territorial Reserve Force when fully organised and equipped; and whether any steps would be taken to form the force before the introduction of next year's Estimates and before the House had had an opportunity of considering the proposal?
§ Mr. HALDANENo estimate has yet been made, as various points affecting the estimate will not be determined until the views of county associations have been received and considered. No enrolment in the Reserve will take place during the current financial year, but preliminary arrangements will be made. The cost of the Territorial Force is still well within the estimate which I presented to Parliament when it was sanctioned, and I do not anticipate that the new Reserve will add any very large sum to the expenditure upon it. My hon. Friend will remember that the formation of this Reserve formed from the beginning part of the plan of the Territorial Force, and was provided for by Section VII. of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act of 1907.
Sir GILBERT PARKERMay I ask whether that applies also to the Veteran Reserve, which, as I understand, will not cost the Government anything under the present proposal?
§ Mr. HALDANEYes, but that is outside the question. The Veteran Reserve will be very inexpensive.