§ 30. Mr. COURTHOPEasked the right hon. Gentleman whether any officer of the Volunteer Force or the Territorial Force has been appointed to the Territorial Force Reserve who has exceeded the limit of 994 age laid down by regulations; and, if so, whether he will give favourable consideration to officers who, though they have exceeded the age of forty-five years, are under the age at which officers are compulsorily retired from the active list of the Territorial Force, provided they are specially recommended by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief on account of their physical fitness and general military qualifications?
§ Colonel SEELYA few officers have been so appointed under exceptional circumstances. It is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by a general relaxation of the regulations, but the Army Council are prepared to consider as special cases applications for the appointment of officers whose age exceeds the limits laid down.
§ 31. Mr. CAMPIONasked the right hon. Gentleman what is the number of Territorial Infantry that his military advisers consider to be necessary for the defence of these shores; what was the number actually in the ranks as per last state; what number does the establishment provide for; what is the object of wishing to maintain so many troops above the number required; and whether, if the establishment is the correct number required, the number of men serving in the ranks is dangerously below the number required?
§ Colonel SEELYThe establishments and strength of the Territorial Infantry on the 1st November were as follows:—
I do not think it is possible to discuss the general question of our requirements for the defence of these shores within the limits of an answer to a question.
Officers. N. C. O. s and men. Establishment 5,745 196,627 Strength 4,724 159,450
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman understand that half the attacks against the Territorial Force are made through evasive answers on this point; can he not tell us the number of men he requires, and then we will do our best to try to get them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is an argumentative question.
§ 32. Mr. CAMPIONasked how many of the Territorial Infantry have not been to camp this year; how many have done eight days' training and under; how many 995 have done over eight days' training; how many have done the full musketry course; and how many have failed to reach the full standard of efficiency in musketry?
§ Colonel SEELYThe figures for camp are as follows:—
The musketry returns are not yet available.
Officers. N. C. O. s and men. Absent 656 22,697 Present: Less than eight days 15 194 Eight days and less than fifteen 609 50,400 Fifteen days and over 3,493 88,720