HC Deb 13 September 1909 vol 10 cc1721-3
Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total number of recruits enlisted since 1st January last, who went to camp this year?

The SECRETARY OF STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

The returns of attendance at camp do not distinguish between recruits and other men. The information required is therefore not available.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish a Paper giving the average age, weight, and chest measurement of non-commissioned officers and men in each branch of the Territorial Force?

Mr. HALDANE

The ages of the noncommissioned officers and men will be included in the annual Return furnished in October, and they will be published in due course in the annual Return of the force. The weight and chest measurement are only taken on enlistment, and no subsequent statistics are recorded. Any compilation of the nature suggested would involve the examination of every attestation.

Mr. HUNT

asked whether all the recruits enlisted since 1st January last had done the prescribed drills for recruits before they went to camp; and, if not, did any of the recruits who had not done the prescribed course of drills receive camp pay?

Mr. HALDANE

There is no information available at the War Office to enable me to reply to this question. I may, however, point out to the hon. Member that under paragraph 378 Territorial Force Regulations the G.O.C. has power to grant exemption from the prescribed conditions, under the circumstances specified in that paragraph.

Mr. HUNT

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not think there is very much to inquire into. It is only in proper cases that the Commander-in-Chief exercises his dispensing power.

Mr. HUNT

asked what was the number of non-commissioned officers and men now in the Territorial force who were serving on a four years' engagement; and would these four-year men be allowed to re-engage on completion of their four years' engagement?

Mr. HALDANE

The exact numbers of men so serving are only obtainable from the annual Returns, which will be furnished to the War Office during the month of October, but as a rough estimate there were about 176,000 men on a four years' engagement on 1st July. The re-engagement of these men for a term to be fixed by the county association will depend on the recommendation of the commanding officers, provided that the establishments of units are not exceeded.

Mr. HUNT

asked how many of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Territorial Force attended camp this year, and how many of these stayed for 15 days?

Mr. HALDANE

The figures showing the numbers attending camp will be furnished with the annual Return rendered to the War Office in October. I cannot before that time supply the hon. Member with the information he requires.

Mr. RENTON

asked whether artificers of units of the Territorial Force are expected to repair public equipment—vehicles, harness, saddlery, and arms—at their own expense during the period outside the annual training?

Mr. HALDANE

These artificers are expected to do their repairs to public equipment—vehicles, harness, and saddlery—as part of their drill. The materials for such repair will be provided for them. They are not permitted to repair arms.

Mr. RENTON

If the artificer does not do this, and thus render himself efficient, by whom will the public equipment be repaired?

Mr. HALDANE

It is hoped to have sufficient artificers to do the work, and if they will not do it, it will have to be done otherwise.