HC Deb 09 September 1914 vol 66 cc556-7
15. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he realises the difficulty in the rural areas of persuading able-bodied men to join the new Army while no military duties are being assigned to their companions or fellow workers who are Reservists; and whether all the latter can now have some military duty assigned to them and thus facilitate recruiting?

Mr. TENNANT

All Reservists, except a few who were found medically unfit, and some who had to be retained in their civil employment to avoid delay in the completion of important naval and military contracts for munitions of war, are now doing military duty.

Mr. BATHURST

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman includes members of the National Reserve?

Mr. TENNANT

This is not dealing with the National Reserve.

Mr. BATHURST

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is going to happen to the National Reserve?

Mr. TENNANT

I have already explained that in this House, and I will send the hon. Gentleman a memorandum of what has been done. A large number of the National Reserve have already been called up.