§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention had been called to the Memorandum on inspections of the Territorial force, presented by General Sir John French, dated 24th May, 1909, to the effect that the position of adjutant in the Territorial force otters few advantages and has certain disadvantages which deter many keen officers from considering the possibility of accepting these appointments; and what steps are being taken to better the condition of these important officers?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to make a statement in respect to this matter, which strikes at the very root of the efficiency of the Territorial forces?
§ Mr. HALDANEI quite agree as to its importance. We are doing everything in our power to secure that the adjutants of the Territorial forces should be the most efficient man obtainable. But it takes a good deal of time to get out of the old order of things and into the new.