§ Major ANSTRUTHER - GRAYasked what is the present shortage of officers, respectively, in the Regular Army, the Special Reserve, and the Territorial Forces?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe shortages on the Establishment are as follows:—
In the Regular Army ninety-five vacancies are in the Infantry, for which candidates are now available.
Regular Army 154 Special Reserve 1,198 Territorial Force 1,519
§ Major ANSTRUTHER - GRAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a shortage of nearly 3,000 officers is a serious danger to the country?
§ Mr. HALDANENo doubt every step is being taken to make it up. There always has been a shortage in the Establishment on these services and we are endeavouring to get rid of——
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs not the shortage growing larger?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI appeal to hon. Members to consider those who come later on the list and not so to take up the time of the House as to make it impossible for them to put their questions.