§ 95. Sir BASIL PETOasked the Secretary of State for War what is the amount of saving expected to be effected by the withdrawal of the grant of bounties for men recruited to the Territorial Forces 850 after the 28th February; and what is the expected diminution in the numbers of Territorial Forces which will result?
§ 98. Captain BOURNEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he consulted any of the Territorial Force associations before deciding to abolish the bounties hitherto payable to efficient soldiers of the Territorial Army; and whether he has received any representations from Territorial Force associations on this subject?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I caused the Vice-Chairman of the Council of Territorial Associations to be consulted by members of the Army Council in July, 1926, and in February last he was informed of the proposal to abolish the bounty, and asked to ascertain the views of the Council. The Council appointed a Committee to examine the proposal and to make alternative suggestions. The Committee made a report, and on 21st February I saw a deputation from the Council and discussed the Committee's suggestions. The saving expected is £64,000 next year, rising to £332,000 in a year when the abolition has taken full effect. I cannot say what, if any, diminution of numbers will result, but I hope that any diminution will be temporary only.