HC Deb 27 August 1914 vol 66 cc148-50
53. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing an Advisory Committee to direct and assist Members of this House who are willing to help in the work of obtaining recruits for the Army?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will give the hon. Member's suggestion careful consideration.

65. Major MEYSEY-THOMPSON

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that a large number of men refuse to enlist because they cannot join their county regiment because they are told the regiment is already up to establishment'; and whether, in view of the pressing need of obtaining suitable recruits as quickly as possible, he will consider the advisability of increasing the number of battalions in such counties?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The Army Council have had no information as to men refusing to enlist for the reason stated. The objection to raising new units is that each requires a separate staff of officers and non-commissioned officers, and these are not easy to find. It must also be borne in mind that each new unit demands a draft-producing organisation to supply wastage.

78. Sir RYLAND ADKINS

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that 100,000 men asked for by Lord Kitchener have been practically obtained and that further recruits are required, Territorial associations and others engaged in promoting recruiting may understand that further recruits are required on the terms and conditions which applied to the 100,000 men asked for by Lord Kitchener, and that such associations and persons are expected to promote recruiting on those terms and conditions until further notice.

Mr. TENNANT

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated yesterday, the Secretary of State needs all the recruits he can obtain, and not merely the 100,000 mentioned in the first appeal. All necessary particulars will be made public at once.

Sir R. ADKINS

Are we to understand that the arrangements made for recruitment are to be the same as those which have hitherto obtained?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, until further notice.

Mr. SHERWELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman secure that the recruits who are responding to the call shall at least have blankets to cover them at the depots to which they are transferred?

Mr. TENNANT

If my hon. Friend will give me any instance of that kind I will certainly look into it.