HC Deb 20 October 1909 vol 12 cc286-7
Captain CRAIG

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the regular establishment of training brigades has been found to be inadequate to carry out the training of Royal Field Artillery Special Reserve efficiently, and that, in addition to their other duties, they are taking over the whole of the clothing, equipment, documents, etc., of the old county unit of Royal Field Reserve Artillery, he could state if it is contemplated to provide in next year's Army Estimates for an increase to the regular establishment laid down in the Special Army Order of the 16th March, 1909; and whether, in any event, some increase of regular establishments will be allowed for the training brigade in Ireland in view of the fact that it is taking over the men and everything belonging to no less than 10 of the late county units of artillery, amounting to over 30 per cent. of the total strength of the whole of the Royal Field Artillery Special Reserve in the United Kingdom?

Mr. ACLAND

An increase to the establishment of training brigades was made by the Army Order of the 16th March, and no further increase to the establishment is contemplated. The number of Special Reservists allotted eventually to the training brigade in Ireland is the same as that allotted to other training brigades, namely, 1,000, and it is not proposed to give it a different establishment. To meet the temporary excess of Special Reservists the Army Order mentioned provides for the temporary retention of brigades of Royal Field Artillery to serve as training brigades.

Captain CRAIG

May I ask whether he is aware that the pressure put on the Irish end is extraordinarily heavy compared with England on account of the amount of material and personnel they have taken over; and whether grave complaints have been made, and have reached the War Office on this subject; and whether to carry the work out efficiently and make it a success, it would not be better to grant them a larger establishment this coming year?

Mr. ACLAND

I believe there is that pressure, but that it is mainly initial and will not recur.

Captain CRAIG

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries and see if they can start next year with some prospect of success.