26. Colonel BURNasked the Secretary of State for War how it is intended to organise the Territorial Force; and will the same battalions be grouped together with Artillery brigades, as was the case during the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe present intention is to reconstruct the Territorial Force on its pre-war basis. Under this organisation the Territorial Force consists of fourteen divisions, composed of units of Artillery, Engineers, Infantry, Royal Army Service Corps, and Royal Army Medical Corps, and fourteen mounted brigades with Coast Defence units and Army troops.
Colonel BURNMay I ask my right hon. Friend if he will give publicity to this statement on account of the importance of letting people know what is to be arranged, so that they may make their own arrangements?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir; but I have no doubt they will receive the widest possible publicity.
Sir F. HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to ask the assistance of the local authorities in helping with these Territorial battalions and brigades in the same way as was done to raise men for the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERPerhaps my hon. Friend will give notice of that.
§ Major NALLWill the authorities announce at an early date the organisation of the battalions and brigades in divisions?
§ Mr. FORSTERBefore long I think there will be a comprehensive statement that, I hope, will satisfy all those who are inquiring.
§ 31. Sir S. SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for War on what date it is proposed to open recruiting for the Territorial Force; whether, if a Territorial Force officer is not available as adjutant for a Territorial Force unit, a Regular officer will be eligible for appointment as such; and whether a Territorial Force officer when appointed as adjutant to a Territorial Force unit will receive the same pay and allowances as a Regular officer holding the same appointment?
§ Mr. FORSTERNew notice papers and attestation forms are now being prepared and attestations can be signed as soon as the forms are provided. All attestations will date from the 1st November next only, but registration of names can be carried out, if desired, forthwith. Both Regular and Territorial Force officers will be eligible for appointment as adjutant of a Territorial Force unit. The question whether a Territorial Force officer appointed adjutant to a Territorial Force unit will receive the same pay and allowances as a Regular officer so appointed is now under consideration.