§ Viscount VALENTIAI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War in what way County Territorial Force Associations can give him the assistance the Secretary of State for War asks from them in raising 100,000 men for the Second Army; whether members of Territorial Force Associations, justices of the peace, and retired Army 2260 officers can be supplied with attestation forms and authorised to enlist recruits?
§ Mr. TENNANTRecruiting offices in charge of competent recruiting officers exist throughout the country. Indiscriminate recruiting by persons with insufficient experience would only lead to confusion; but it is thought that members of associations and others can usefully exert their local influence so that a steady stream of recruits comes to the recruiting offices. It may be possible at a later date to indicate specific duties. The last two paragraphs of the Noble Lord's question are in addition. I shall have to give this my consideration later on.
§ Viscount VALENTIAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very often men anxious to enlist are unable to do so?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is true, of course, that there must be long distances for some people who desire to enlist. I will see what can foe done in regard to the suggestion of the Noble Lord for railway warrants.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of posting in each district a notice of where the recruiting officer for that district is to foe found. I know very often in a district the locality of the recruiting office is not known?
§ Mr. TENNANTI will certainly do that. I thought it had already been done.
§ Sir H. CARLILEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some recruiting stations are without any attestation forms? That applies to Hertfordshire.
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, I heard that. I will have it inquired into.