§ Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the case of invasion or imminent national peril, the War Office could immediately provide the hundreds of thousands of men who have served in, but retired, from the regular and auxiliary forces with rifles, ammunition, and uniform; and, if not, what steps will be taken to make these trained men useful in case of sudden hostilities?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe question of forming a reserve from the sources mentioned is at present under consideration, but without proper organisation and the requisite proportion of officers and non-commissioned officers such a reserve would be of little military value. In considering the main question the subsidiary question of the supply of arms, ammunition, equipment and clothing will not be lost sight of.
§ Mr. HUNTWould these seasoned, fully-grown men for garrison duty not be much cheaper than those at present bid for for the Territorial Army; and does not the right hon. Gentleman consider he is running a great risk in not getting these men, who would be willing to serve at a very cheap rate?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am well aware of these things, and a great many others besides.