HC Deb 15 January 1913 vol 46 cc2059-61
34. Mr. MILDMAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement with regard to the National Reserve?

Colonel SEELY

A scheme has been approved for dividing the Reserve into three classes:—

  1. (1) The veteran section, as at present.
  2. (2) Those who undertake, in the event of imminent national danger, to serve for home defence.
  3. (3) Those who undertake, in the event of imminent national danger, to give general service in war.
Classes (2) and (3) will be asked to sign a written undertaking to serve. The numbers in these classes will be subject to such limits as the War Office may impose, and physical fitness will be a condition of service. For these men Grants will be made annually to county associations at the rate of 10s. for class (3), and 5s. for class (2), in addition to the present Grant of 1s., which would be maintained for all classes alike. Out of the funds so provided county associations will meet all expenditure in connection with the National Reserve, including the supply of ammunition for musketry practice, travelling expenses, and allowances for attendance at ranges, parades, drills, and other purposes. The necessary clothing, arms, and equipment for classes (2) and (3) will be supplied on mobilisation. Regulations are being prepared and will be published in due course.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the county associations be responsible for these accoutrements and clothing, or will they be kept in store? Otherwise, will the right hon. Gentleman consider that there will be a divided responsibility in the matter between the associations and the War Office?

Colonel SEELY

I hope there will be no difficulty in that respect. The situation will be the same as it would be in regard to the Reservists of the Territorial Force or other Reservists; the clothing will be in charge of the county associations, and the arms of course will be maintained as in the case of the Army Reservists and others.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the uniform be the ordinary uniform of the Territorial Force or what?

Colonel SEELY

That will depend upon which class the National Reservist elects to join. If he elects to serve in the Territorial Force the county associations will provide the necessary uniform for service in that force.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

May I ask whether no equipment by way of arms or clothing will be issued for current use for the Reservists?

Colonel SEELY

No, Sir; I think that would be a mistake, because we do not provide such clothing or equipment for Army Reservists who undertake the higher obligations.

Colonel YATE

What sort of a uniform will it be that those get who volunteer for this work, and will it be in charge of the county associations?

Colonel SEELY

It will depend upon what force the National Reservist elects to join, and is found fit to join. A suitable uniform for that corps, whichever it may be, will be provided for on mobilisation, but it will not be provided for him in peace time.

Colonel YATE

Will it be in charge of the county associations?

Colonel SEELY

In the event of a man's joining the Territorial Force it will be in charge of the county associations; if he elects to go into the Ten Shilling Class for service in any part of the world, or elects to join in the hour of national emergency his old regiment, then his old regiment will provide the uniform for him.

Mr. ALAN SYKES

Would the right hon. Gentleman be so good as to tell us whether the uniform that will be—

Mr. SPEAKER

Any further questions should be put down.