§ 46. Mr. HENRY TERRELLasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there are a number and, if so, how many service battalions which have not during at least six months past and have not now more than 500 men and who have at least twice the establishment number of officers; whether it has been found impossible to get recruits to fill the ranks of such battalions; and whether the Government intend to take any and, if so, what steps to fill the ranks of such regiments?
§ Mr. TENNANTThere are at present twenty second reserve battalions with under 500 of all ranks. Men are being posted to them when the reserve battalion of their regiment is full, and I am informed that about 4,000 have been so posted in the last month. The posting of officers in excess of establishment is intentional; these battalions are being used as training schools for officers.