§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what number of recruits joined the two London divisions of the Territorial Force during the six months ending 30th June, 1910, as compared with the 2,559 who joined in the corresponding period of 1911?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)The number of recruits for the six months ending 30th June, 1910, amounted to 3,130.
§ Mr. ASHLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to try and get more recruits for the Territorial Force?
§ Colonel SEELYYes, we are doing all we can, and we shall be glad of any help the hon. Gentleman can give us.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what steps are being taken?
§ Colonel SEELYIt would take too long at question time to mention the numerous steps which Lord Haldane and the authorities are taking to get more recruits for the Territorial Force. I hope these efforts will be successful.
§ Mr. HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman say the number of recruits necessary to get the force up to its full strength?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are over a quarter of a million of men now in the Territorial Force, and, for a new force, I think that is satisfactory. Of course, it would be better if the force were up to its full strength; but, after all, it is satisfactory that a quarter of a million of men are found to give up some of their time and money for the service of the State.
§ Mr. HUNTCould the right hon. Gentleman say the number required to bring up the Territorial Force to full strength?
§ Colonel SEELYOf course, I can give that information at once if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, but I cannot, from memory, give from day to day the exact number of men short of the establishment of the Territorial Force.
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware there is nothing new about the Territorial Force except the title?