70. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it has been proposed to send the third battalions of some Scottish Territorial regiments to England for the winter; whether the authorities recognise that the transference of these third battalions 1006 from their districts will materially injure their chances of recruiting; and whether, in view of that and of the strong feeling against the proposal in those parts of Scotland which would be affected by it, he can give an assurance that no such transference will take place?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir, it is under consideration to locate certain third line Scottish Territorial Force units in England during the winter, and in this connection the considerations mentioned in the second part of the question have been carefully weighed. There are, however, other important considerations. To retain these troops in Scotland where there is no available accommodation would involve expense for billeting and waste of money owing to existing hutments in England remaining empty. Moreover, both training and discipline suffer appreciably when men are in billets. I think, when the importance of these considerations are realised, we may look with confidence to local effort and enterprise to prevent any such falling off in the number of recruits as my hon. Friend fears may result.