§ 64. Colonel CROFTasked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the new regulation by which establishments of Territorial Infantry battalions in France has been reduced to 800; whether he is aware that this reduction is resented by the battalions on active service; and whether the matter will be reconsidered in order that the reduction should only take place in such units as have been unable to provide sufficient reserves in Great Britain?
§ Mr. TENNANTI understand that an order in the sense mentioned has been issued in France, but I have not seen a copy of it. The reason for the issue of the order was no doubt the difficulty in keeping up the full establishment. I may state, however, that Territorial Force units going abroad are sent out at the full war establishment and that the provision of reserves at home is calculated on the same basis.
§ Colonel CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a very large number of battalions at the present 1652 moment in France which have ample reserves at home, and which come under this new regulation, and will he consider whether it is not possible, in the case of these battalions with ample reserves, to see that they are kept filled up in order that the obstacles to giving necessary reliefs may be done away with?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat is really a matter for the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, and I will take care that the representations of the hon. and gallant Member reach the Field-Marshal.