§ 96. Major GLYNasked the Secretary of State for War and Air if any decision has been reached in regard to the establishment, conditions of service, and rates of pay and pension, if any, of the Reserve of Officers and Army Reservists; whether the decision to reconstitute the Militia battalions in any way affects Regular officers who under present circumstances might join Special Reserve battalions or Reservists of the Regular Army who would otherwise be free to join the Territorial Army; and whether he will consider the possibility of forming throughout the Army a cadre of Special Reserve officers, all ex-Regulars, on the basis of service required of Special Reserve officers of the Brigade of Guards?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe question of the future establishment and conditions of service in the Reserve of Officers has been referred to a Committee which will be assembled this week. The suggestions made by the hon. and gallant Member will be considered by the Committee. As regards the Army Reserve, no change has been made in the conditions of service except that where Reservists wish to reside abroad permanently they are now discharged from the Reserve. The pay has been raised from 6d. to 1s. a day.
§ Major GLYNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the same question was put to the Secretary of State for War last June, and exactly the same answer was given, and whether there is any chance of that Committee making a reply in time for officers to make their arrangements?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI was not aware of the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I can only say it is a very difficult subject, and the Secretary of State is viewing it with the greatest possible sympathy.