HC Deb 23 March 1910 vol 15 c1061
Mr. E H. CARLILE

asked the Secretary for War if he will state how many officers of the Militia and Special Reserve have been given commissions in Regular battalions or regiments each year ending 31st December from 1900 to 1909, inclusive?

Mr. HALDANE

The figures are as follows:—1900, 449; 1901, 487; 1902, 287; 1903, 266; 1904, 102; 1905, 147; 1906, 158; 1907, 99; 1908, 99; 1909, 83.

Mr. CARLILE

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether it is proposed to gradually discontinue the advantages previously given to members of the Militia and the Special Reserve?

Mr. HALDANE

No, Sir. You can enter the Army now through the Special Reserve, as you could through the Militia.

Mr. CARLILE

Do not the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has just given indicate an intention to discontinue them?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not think so. It will be observed that the drop began just after the war. There were only 102 in 1904, which was long before the Territorial Force was created.