HC Deb 17 September 1914 vol 66 cc974-5
17. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling among the Territorial Force that they who have worked and trained for their country for some years past are to be postponed from getting to the front in favour of the New Army, composed as it is in the main of men who have not seen any service with the Colours; and whether he will, on behalf of the Secretary of State, make' an announcement to relieve the minds of those men and officers in the Territorial Force who would feel deeply any such aspersion on their military fitness and patriotic devotion?

Mr. TENNANT

The desire of the Territorial Force to be sent on active service abroad is fully appreciated by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State, and, if there is an impression abroad that they will not be so employed, that impression is erroneous. It is certainly the intention of His Majesty's Government to gratify the wishes of the Territorial Force in this respect as early as may be possible.