§ Mr. SANDYSasked whether the efficiency of the Territorial Force largely depends upon attendance at camp; and, if so, on what grounds the military authorities have reported that there has been a satisfactory improvement in the general efficiency of the force in view of the fact that attendance at camp is officially stated to have been unsatisfactory this year?
§ Colonel SEELYIf those members of the force who were absent from camp had attended camp the general efficiency of the force would have benefited thereby; but the fact that these men were absent does not in any way controvert the opinion of the military authorities that the general efficiency of the force has greatly improved during the past year.
§ Mr. SANDYSDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to infer it is not true that the efficiency of the Territorial Army largely depends on attendance at camp?
§ Colonel SEELYI did not say the hon. Gentlemen's statement was inaccurate. But I repeat that the general efficiency of the force has greatly improved during the past year.
§ Mr. SANDYSThen can the right hon. Gentleman, answer my question, on what grounds the military authorities have reported that there is a satisfactory improvement?
§ Colonel SEELYI shall be glad to make a statement on the subject and give the House the opinions of the military authorities, but I cannot do it at the present time.
§ Mr. CROFTMay I ask if, after the Government's action last night, they really desire to encourage the Territorial Force?
§ Colonel SEELYYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said in his speech—I do not think the hon. Member was present at the time—thett the present Government were most anxious to encourage the Territorial Force in every possible way, but they did not think they could do it in the way then suggested.
§ Mr. SANDYSPerhaps we may be permitted to discuss this question on the Motion for Adjournment one night?
Sir HERBERT ROBERTSasked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private Edward Jones, of the 4th battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was injured whilst playing football in camp; whether he will consider the desirability of amending the regulations governing the Territorial Force, with a view to specifying more clearly in what cases an injury may be regarded as received in and through military duty; and whether, in view of the loss sustained by Private Edward Jones, special consideration can be given to this case and some compensation provided?
§ Colonel SEELYAs regards the general question of amending the regulations concerned I have nothing to add to the full statements made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary and myself in the Debate arising on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House on Tuesday, 21st November. As regards this particular case, there is no doubt that it would not come within the scope of any such regulations.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHWill the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give us the decision of the Army Council with respect to injuries received in these circumstances?
§ Colonel SEELYI hope with very little I delay.