HC Deb 26 October 1911 vol 30 cc303-4
Mr. MORTON

asked whether Income Tax is deducted from the pay and allowances of Territorial officers attending annual training and schools of instruction; and, if so, why this is done?

Colonel SEELY

Income Tax is deducted only from the pay and lodging allowances of these officers, these emoluments only being regarded, as in the case of Regular officers, as beneficial income. The tax is deducted under the third rule of Section 146, Income Tax Act, 1842.

Mr. TOUCHE

asked what steps the Government is taking, or proposes to take, to encourage recruiting, in view of the expected reduction in recruits for the Territorial Forces next spring, and more particularly if the Government is willing to pay the bounty of £1 per man for each fifteen days' camp completed, or offer other encouragement, as recommended by various Territorial Associations, notably those of the county of London and county of Surrey?

Colonel SEELY

The Government, in concert with the County Associations, is at present considering the whole question of the recruiting for the Territorial Force, and various suggestions from the County Associations have recently reached the War Office. Some of these proposals involve considerable expenditure of public money, and accordingly will require very careful consideration. The House will, therefore understand that I shall not be in a position for some little time to give any information as regards the steps which the Government will propose to take. I might add that I am not prepared to endorse the somewhat gloomy view which is prevalent in some quarters as to the probable strength of the Force in 1912.

Mr. SANDYS

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

Colonel SEELY

The figures for the first of October in each year are as follows:—

Officers. Non-Commissioned Officers and Men.
1910 … 9,759 … 257,337
1911 … 9,475 … 254,692
Mr. SANDYS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any assurance that if the number of the Territorial Army is decreasing, at any rate its efficiency is improving?

Colonel SEELY

I believe the efficiency of the Territorial Force has improved, and the decrease shown is very slight in numbers.