§ 50. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for War whether, when the Territorial Reserve Force is being disbanded or reduced in strength, the position of superfluous officers will be considered with a view to their being transferred, with their consent, to the Volunteer Force, carrying the seniority of their present rank?
§ Mr. FORSTEROfficers of the Territorial Force Reserve on the unemployed list are eligible for commissions in the Volunteer Force. Recommendations for appointment to these commissions are made by the county Volunteer authorities, who will doubtless be glad to consider the applications of Territorial Force Reserve officers for employment when suitable vacancies exist.
§ Mr. KINGIs my hon. Friend aware that some of these officers are already serving in the ranks; and will they be allowed to apply for commissions in the Volunteer Force?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think there is nothing to prevent them from applying.
§ 51. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary for War whether the Army Council have cancelled a number of officers' commissions in the Territorial Force Reserve who are willing and ready to discharge military duties and have not been reported upon as unfit for service; whether the Army Council are at the same time encouraging the enlisting of a new Volunteer Force and 1693 issuing commissions in that force; and whether the Home-defence duties of the Volunteer Force are similar to those assigned to the Territorial Force?
§ Mr. FORSTERSchemes for the better utilisation of the services of the Volunteers are at present under consideration, and it is not possible, therefore, to institute a comparison. During the formation of supernumerary companies of the Territorial Force for the guarding of vulnerable points the names of a few officers were put forward who were not called on for military duty owing to the lack of opportunity for utilising their services.