41. Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the progress of recruiting for the Territorial Army; and whether he will state the number of recruits enrolled to date and the total number required to complete the establishment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my previous replies on this subject, and in particular to my answer on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich, in which I stated that, in the opinion of those who are most closely acquainted with the subject, there are grounds for hoping that ultimately the required numbers for the Territorial Army will be forthcoming. I have received quite encouraging reports from the divisional officers of the Territorial Force, but I do not think we should expect this force to rise to anything like its full strength for probably 12 or 18 months.
§ Colonel YATEHas the 25 per cent. yet been enlisted, to enable the Territorials to go into camp this year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn some cases more than 25 per cent.; but we are arranging special camps for grouped units where, if men wish to have preliminary training in musketry, facilities can be given.