§ 21. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether any reservists of Sections B and D of the Army Reserve were called up for service recently with the Shanghai Defence Force; and, if so, how many?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo such reservists have been called up for service with the Shanghai Defence Force.
§ 22. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for War how many reservists were called up for service in the Shanghai Defence Force; and how many responded to the call?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS1813 Section A Reservists were originally called up for service with the Shanghai Defence Force. Of these, only four were absent without sufficient reason. A week ago, a further 1,160, approximately, were called up in connection with the despatch of the brigade now under orders for China. Of these, less than 20 are at present unaccounted for, and probably in many of the cases there will be a good reason for the man's failure to report.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any reservists of sections B and D have been called up recently for any other purpose except that of annual training?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNot that I am aware.
Mr. BECKETTIs it not possible to transfer troops from a similar unit to the units required for service, as was done during the War, rather than call up reservists who have settled themselves in civil life and who are unnecessarily disturbed when they are called up, whereas there are others who would be available?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI do not think that the figures I have given show that there is any reluctance on the part of the reservists to answer the call.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI suggest that the hon. Member should put that Question on the Paper. It seems to me to be raising a new issue.