HC Deb 21 July 1915 vol 73 cc1481-2
26. Sir H. CRAIK

asked whether it has yet been arranged that some officer should act as the authorised representative of the War Office to deal with the organisation for service of the Volunteer Training Corps throughout the country?

Mr. TENNANT

The answer is in the negative.

Sir H. CRAIK

Did the right hon. Gentleman not tell me previously that the matter was being considered?

Mr. TENNANT

All these matters are under consideration, and I cannot give any dates.

Sir J. D. REES

Does the phrase used by the right hon. Gentleman, "all these matters," include the brassard?

Mr. TENNANT

I think that matter may be considered closed.

27. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now prepared to consider the employment, under military law, of Volunteer Training Corps, the members of which are over military age, for certain purposes of Home defence, so as to set free the Territorial and other available forces for service overseas in which they are anxious to be employed?

Mr. TENNANT

This question is still under consideration.

Colonel ALAN SYKES

Would the right hon. Gentleman press this matter on somewhat, because it has been under consideration for a long time and it is very much talked about in the country?

Mr. TENNANT

I recognise, of course, that it is desirable that a decision should be arrived at, and I will endeavour to see that one is come to.

Sir H. CRAIK

Does the right hon. Gentleman not perceive that a decision is desirable, not only from the point of view of these volunteers but also from the point of view of the Territorial Forces who are being kept from overseas service?

Mr. TENNANT

I think the hon. Gentleman is not wholly accurate in that statement, inasmuch as many vulnerable points are being guarded, not by Territorial Force regiments, but by National Reservists.