35. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if it is the intention of the War Office to dispense with the services of the half-time men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve of the Anti-Aircraft Corps who for the past three and a half years have manned the searchlights in London, and to replace them with whole-time men; if he is aware that most of these are business men above military age whose experience and efficiency have repeatedly received official commendation, who are desirous of continuing their service to the end of the War, and whose supersession will make an unnecessary additional demand on our man-power; and if he will have the matter reconsidered before taking action?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThese men do not give half-time, but a third of their time. Recent developments in searchlight training have necessitated a higher degree of training and efficiency, which can only be achieved by whole-time men. A sufficient number of half-time men will be re-engaged from the present personnel for duties which can be efficiently performed by men who can only give that amount of time.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware of that, but I will inquire.
Mr. CHANCELLORWhat is to become of these men who have been giving their services all these years, and are quite willing to go on, but are business men who must give sonic of their time to their business?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will inquire into all that, but the hon. Member must realise that the Army is concerned in the main with whole-time service.