HC Deb 01 April 1913 vol 51 cc189-90
19. Mr. HUNT

asked whether the General Staff is satisfied that the number of effective soldiers present in the ranks of the Infantry battalions now at Home is sufficient to ensure immediate efficiency for service when raised to war strength by means of Reservists?

Colonel SEELY

The proportion of soldiers serving in the ranks to the number of Reservists required to bring the battalion up to war strength on mobilisation in the case of a battalion at Home, especially after its drafts have recently gone to India and abroad, is not now and has never been as large as is desirable on purely military grounds, but it is considered that the fighting spirit of our voluntarily enlisted army is a factor to be taken into account on the other side.

Mr. HUNT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many men, under twenty years of age, are in preparation?

Colonel SEELY

It would depend on the time of year the figures are taken.

Sir R. POLE-CAREW

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the system fair to the officers?

Colonel SEELY

It has been going on for a number of years—during the service of the hon. and gallant Gentleman. It has its advantages as well as its drawbacks.

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