HC Deb 06 July 1914 vol 64 cc827-8
61. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the difference between establishment and strength in the Territorial Forces; why, if the strength is satisfactory, he maintains the existing establishment; and how, if the strength is not satisfactory, he proposes to bring it up to establishment?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am glad to say that the most recent returns show satisfactory results, but I think that the whole matter can be more suitably discussed in Supply.

Colonel GREIG

Arising out of that answer, is the Secretary of State for War aware that the Secretary for War in 1907, when introducing the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, said that it was framed to give a force which, in time of peace, need not exceed a quarter of a million, and in time of war would reach the strength of 300,000, which is the authorised establishment for the Territorial Force?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have no doubt the hon. Member is right.