HC Deb 08 August 1911 vol 29 cc945-6
Mr. SANDYS

asked what number of recruits joined the London Division of the Territorial Force during the six months ended 30th June?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

Two thousand five hundred and fifty-nine recruits joined the two London divisions during the six months ended 30th June, 1911.

Mr. SANDYS

asked what was the present strength of the Territorial Force, and how this compared with the strength of the force on the corresponding date of last year?

Colonel SEELY

The figures are as follows:—

1st July, 1910. 1st July, 1911.
Officers … 9,803 9,600
Non-commissioned officers and men … 260,981 258,853

Mr. SANDYS

Things being as they are at present, is the right hon. Gentleman generally satisfied with the numbers and training of the Territorial Force?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think I could make a statement on that subject at question time without wearying the House. I should be glad to make a full statement on the proper opportunity.

Mr. SANDYS

As the right hon. Gentleman is unable to reply are we to assume that he is not satisfied?

Colonel SEELY

Certainly not.

Captain WARING

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that an increase of pay has been granted to Territorial officers who are acting as adjutants of Territorial units as from April of this year; and whether, in view of the fact that many of these officers have already performed the duties of adjutant for several years, he can see his way to make the increased grant of pay retrospective?

Colonel SEELY

The consolidated allowance to Territorial officers appointed adjutants has been increased from £100 to £200 a year to take effect from 1st April, 1911. It is regretted that it is not possible to give further retrospective effect.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Arising out of that, may I ask, seeing that some of these adjutants have been, forced to do the work for two years for a much less figure than the present adjutants, would it not be more in accordance with Liberal principles to make this retrospective?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think the facts stated by the Noble Lord are quite accurate. I regret I cannot add anything to the answer I have already given on the general question.