§ 54. Mr. AMERYasked how many men have been induced to re-engage by the bounty of £16 recently offered to soldiers in India, and how many would be required to re-engage in order to bring the establishment up to strength?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe bounty is not being offered to induce men to re-engage, but for a quite different purpose, namely, to induce men due to transfer to the reserve 2103 to extend their Colour service. As regards the rest of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Members for Bath and the Isle of Wight on the 2nd and 7th instant respectively.
§ Mr. AMERYWill the right hon. Gentleman give the actual figures as to the number of men who have extended their service?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is much too soon to be able to give any figures; the offer came into force only last month.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it not a fact that there is difficulty in keeping the British regiments in India up to strength?
§ Mr. TENNANTThis offer would not have been made if the regiments were up to strength.
§ 56. Mr. AMERYasked how many Reservists have responded to the recent invitation to re-engage, and how many would be required to re-engage to complete the Home establishment of the Regular Army up to strength?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe men in question are not being invited to re-engage, but to rejoin the Colours. The invitation has only just been issued, and no returns have yet been received of the numbers who have responded. The answer to the last part of the question depends on the progress of recruiting. The shortage on 1st June has already been stated.