§ 46. Mr. MORRELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a considerable number of veterans who, after serving their term with the Colours and completing their Reserve service, have re-enlisted for this War are being kept for long periods of training side by side with raw recruits who have seen no previous service; whether there is any reason why men who have fought in previous wars should now be kept in camps in England to learn the elements of drill which they know already; and whether, in view of the need for reinforcements at the front, he will take steps to see that men who have had previous service and are physically sound should be attached to some trained unit and sent abroad as soon as possible?
§ Mr. TENNANTIn each service battalion there is a certain proportion of old soldiers to perform certain regimental duties, such as those of police, cooking, etc. The number of these has been reduced to the minimum, and those allotted to these duties are, so far as possible, selected from men who, for various reasons, are not fit to send to the front with drafts. All demands for reinforcements at the front have been fully and promptly met.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs it not the case that at the camp at Seaford there are scores of men who have been through previous expeditions, and are well equipped in military drill, and who are now being taught to slope arms and firing exercise?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think there are very few, if any, such. They are nearly all used for these special duties.
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider a case if I bring it to his notice?
§ Mr. TENNANTI shall be very glad to do so.