HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc987-8
14. Major NEWMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the County Territorial Associations were not consulted before the Central Volunteer Association was authorised to intervene in matters of Cadet organisation and training; and whether it is proposed to continue to allow the Central Volunteer Association to interfere with the Territorial Cadet movement?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The Central Association of Volunteer Regiments have not been authorised to, nor is it intended that they should, interfere with the responsibilities of Territorial Force Associations in regard to recognised Cadet corps. The Central Association offered very patriotically to place their services at the disposal of Territorial Force Associations and to help them in the matter of providing speakers and other propaganda work for the extension of the Cadet movement and the formation of new units; but the responsibility for recognising Cadet units, and of administering such units after recognition has been accorded, will rest, as heretofore, entirely with Territorial Force Associations, who may or may not, as they please, take advantage of the Central Association's offer of assistance.

Major NEWMAN

Is it a fact that the County Territorial Associations have not availed themselves of this offer at all, and that they do not want it and have not asked for it?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I understand that a great many of the County Territorial Associations have gladly accepted the offer of the Central Volunteer Association.

Colonel YATE

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the rules allowing boys of seventeen to enter Volunteer regiments Would it not be better to take them into Cadet corps up to the age of eighteen?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I understand that the rule as it at present exists is very satisfactory. Boys up to seventeen are entitled to enlist in the Volunteer Corps and are placed in Section C.

Colonel YATE

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the desirability of placing them in Cadet Corps?

Mr. MACPHERSON

It is much more satisfactory, and in the best interests of the Army, that a boy of seventeen just about ready to enter the Army at eighteen should have some preliminary training in a Volunteer Regiment.