HC Deb 21 January 1913 vol 47 cc197-8
23. Sir JOHN JARDINE

asked what was the number of officers wanting to complete the establishment of the Territorial Force on last New Year's Day?

Colonel SEELY

The number was 1,959 out of an establishment of 11,242.

24. Sir J. JARDINE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulty of recruiting a sufficient number of officers for the Territorial Force, he will consider the propriety of raising the present amount of £20 given as outfit allowance so as to cover the expenses outside the service kit made compulsory by the Regulations, such as mess uniform, patrol dress, and other charges imposed by custom in battalions?

Colonel SEELY

I have this question under consideration.

25. Mr. HUNT

asked whether the Army Council have decided to amend the Regulations for the Territorial Army, so that elementary Infantry drill shall be taught in a drill hall instead of in an open field; and, if so, how it is proposed to teach recruits advancing and retiring in open order, methods of taking cover, outpost and patrolling, and advance and rear guards, and other movements which are the foundation of a soldier's training?

Colonel SEELY

A circular memorandum has recently been issued concerning the hire of drill fields, which states that it is considered that as a general rule elementary Infantry drill can be taught in a drill hall, so that where an adequate drill hall exists, a small drill field is not considered a necessity. There is no objection, however, to county associations having drill fields where considered necessary, subject to the sanction of the general officer commanding, and within certain financial limits. The training referred to in the second part of the question requires a larger area than that described as a drill field.

Mr. HUNT

Are we to understand that the War Office is not going to supply the money for these fields, and is it the right hon. Gentleman's opinion that they can learn just as well in a hall as in a field?

Colonel SEELY

With regard to elementary drill, it can be taught in a hall, as everybody knows and no better than the hon. Member; but if there is a field available at no great cost it can be hired. That is what the memorandum says. With regard to the larger measures of training referred to in the question, we do not define them as field drill. They require a larger area than that described as a drill field.