HC Deb 09 September 1914 vol 66 cc570-1
Mr. HAMERSLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether facilities could not be given for the number of non-commissioned officers retired from the Army now serving in the police to be transferred to the Army Department for the purpose of drilling and instructing recruits for the new Army?

Mr. McKENNA

Action was taken for this purpose last week, and a large number of non-commissioned officers now serving in the police have been transferred to the military authorities to assist in training the New Army. About 700 or 800 instructors have thus been supplied from the police.

Mr. HAMERSLEY

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly state what procedure a non-commissioned officer in the police force has to take in order to get transferred?

Mr. McKENNA

As between 700 and 800 have already been supplied I do not, think there is any difficulty in their obtaining the information. They are all communicated with and told of the opportunity which they now have.

Mr. HAMERSLEY

Have the Home Office to apply?

Mr. McKENNA

It is the police authorities who are invited by the War Office to send them.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

I beg to ask the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there is a general desire amongst men formerly in the Army, but now serving in the Metropolitan Police Force to re-join their regiments; whether their services can be utilised in this way or in connection with Lord Kitchener's Army, and if so, will the Government extend to them the same privileges as regards pay and pension as are extended to other Civil Service men called up for active service?

Mr. McKENNA

The services of a large number of ex-non-commissioned officers now serving in the Metropolitan Police Force and others are being utilised to assist in the training of the New Army. I propose to introduce a Bill which will give them if they re-enlist the same privileges as have been granted by Parliament to police reservists.

Mr. NIELD

asked the Postmaster-General why the appeal issued by Lord Kitchener for recruits is not posted on the vans and vehicles employed in the postal service by him—especially in view of the fact that public opinion has been influenced to get the appeal exhibited on taxi-cabs, and that it appears on the great majority of such vehicles and also on the omnibuses?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am arranging for this bill to be posted on the vans employed in the Post Office service.