HC Deb 17 February 1914 vol 58 c754
30. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)

asked if the corps represented by the City of London Territorial Force Association are 2,700 men short of their normal strength of 11,000, a deficiency of nearly 25 per cent.; what was the percentage, of deficiency throughout the whole of the Territorial forces in each of the three years ended 31st December, 1913; and what steps the Government proposes to take to remedy the present state of affairs?

Colonel SEELY

The deficiency on 1st January was 2,636, or just over 24 per cent. The percentage of deficiency for the whole force was:—

Per cent.
On 1st January, 1912 15
On 1st January, 1913 16
On 1st January, 1914 20

I hope to make a statement with regard to this matter on the introduction of the Estimates.

Mr. F. HALL

Considering the very unsatisfactory figures, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has arrived when, at all events, attention should be given to the advisability of some sort of compulsory service such as the right hon. Gentleman suggested when be returned from the Boer war?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is too large a matter for a supplementary question.