HC Deb 08 July 1914 vol 64 cc1079-80
28. Sir SAMUEL SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the actuarial calculation of the number of recruits required annually for the Regular Army as a whole and for the Infantry of the Line, with existing establishment and terms of service; how many recruits enlisted between 1st January and 31st March for the Regular Army were serving at the expiration of three months from the date of their enlistment; and what was the proportion of net casualties per 1,000 recruits joined?

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

The normal number of recruits required for the Army as a whole is about 34,700, and for the Infantry of the Line 19,600. The number of recruits enlisted between 1st January and 31st March last was 9,618, but statistics are not available to show how many of these were serving at the expiration of three months from the date of their enlistment. The figures given on page 51 of the General Annual Return will enable the hon. Member to ascertain what has been in recent years the average proportion of net casualties per 1,000 recruits joined.

Mr. AMERY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the fact that the deficiency was greater in the Regular Army in June than it had been in January, and, according to the Prime Minister, there has been a steady increase in recruiting, whether there has not been a very abnormal wastage of men leaving the Army from one cause or another?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir. It was well known that there was going to be this abnormal flow of men out of the Army from time to time owing to the alterations in the terms of recruiting six or seven years ago.

Mr. AMERY

In view of the knowledge as to the abnormal wastage, has the Rule been suspended under which only 10 per cent. of the men are allowed to serve on at the end of their first period?

Mr. TENNANT

I must have notice of that question.

Colonel BURN

Does the right hon. Gentleman's military advisers consider that this wastage of the Army will be arrested before the end of the year or will be increased?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice.