§ Mr. PETOasked whether printed forms are being sent to Army Reservists, both by the Army Ordnance Department and by the Metropolitan Police office, stating that, owing to the large number of applicants already on the books, no more names are even being registered; what is the total number of Army Reservists employed by the Ordnance Department and in the Metropolitan Police Force respectively, and the proportion that such numbers bear to the total employed; and what steps the War Office intend to take to prevent men finding themselves without employment, or hope of employment, on completion of their term of service in the Army?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Tennant)As regards the Ordnance Department, nothing is known at the War Office of any such notices having been sent out, but there is 944 no doubt that the number of names already registered is very largely in excess of any prospective vacancies. The number of civilians employed is 2,940, of whom 1,928 are ex-soldiers; the number of Reservists employed is not known. Ex-soldiers are invariably employed as vacances arise. As regards the Metropolitan police, all recruiting is at present suspended for Reservists and civilians alike. The authorised number of Army Reservists employed in the police is 600, and there are at present 577 so employed. The total strength of the force is 19,974. As regards the steps taken to secure employment for soldiers on leaving the colours, I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement on this subject in the report on recruiting contained in the General Annual Report, and especially to pages 14 to 20 of the report for the year ending 30th September, 1911.
§ Mr. PETODoes the hon. Gentleman think that a larger proportion of ex-Army men might now be employed in the Metropolitan Police, and has his Department any view with regard to the employment of Army Reservists now that, these avenues are entirely closed?
§ Mr. TENNANTI cannot make a statement at Question Time on that matter. The hon. Gentleman will nave a full opportunity of raising it in Debate.