HC Deb 16 September 1914 vol 66 cc941-2
36. Mr. STEWART

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of recruits obtained in each recruiting area in the United Kingdom since the outbreak of the War?

Mr. TENNANT

If the hon. Member would call upon the Director of Recruiting, he could see the figures and could also inform himself as to the volume of work involved in tabulating them on the basis suggested.

Mr. STEWART

I thought the right hon. Gentleman said yesterday that he had got them already tabulated?

Mr. TENNANT

There has been an enormous addition to the numbers, and if the hon. Gentleman will take the suggestion I have made he will then be able to see what a large amount of labour would be involved.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of raising the standard he has prevented a large number of recruits coming forward for enlistment? I would like to know whether the Government is prepared to fall back upon the old standard, and whether they will take the names and addresses of all the men who offer themselves, so that in the event of the Government wanting them they can be called upon?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That question does not arise out of the question on the Paper.