§ 13. Lieut.-Colonel CAMPIONasked the Secretary of State for War whether, owing to the fact that recruiting for the Territorial Force opens on 1st November, and the importance of an early announcement as to the future composition of the force and the terms of service, he will make a statement before the House rises for the Autumn Recess?
Captain GUESTI am well aware of the importance of an early announcement on this subject, but the main decisions of policy which govern the future of the Army and of the Territorial Force have not yet been taken by the Cabinet, and it is not possible, pending these decisions, to make any statement of the kind desired. I hope, however, that in the course of the next few weeks the discussions which are proceeding will have reached their conclusion, and no time will then be lost in framing and announcing a scheme for the Territorial Force and the Regulations required to give effect to it. The question has been unceasingly studied in the War Office, in consultation with the Territorial Force Associations, and there will be no difficulty in giving prompt effect to any decisions to which His Majesty's Government may come.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CAMPIONMay we expect a statement before the Recess?
§ Sir RYLAND ADKINSIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that recruiting for the Territorial Forces is practically at a standstill until this information can be published?
Captain GUESTYes, Sir; and the Secretary of State will probably in the course of the Debate deal with the complications of post-war Army policy, including the position of the Territorial Forces.