§ 27. Sir H. CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now considered the alternative proposals placed before him by the deputation from the Council of Territorial Associations which, while effecting considerable economies, will promote efficiency in the Territorial Army?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have decided to introduce as from 1st March last a "proficiency grant" for men enlisting or re-engaging on and after that date of 30s. per annum.
§ The grant will be in two parts and will be payable on the fulfilment of the following general conditions with appropriate variations in the case of certain arms:
§ (1) 20s. in the case of trained men who do
- 20 drills and 15 days' camp, or
- 30 drills and 8 days' camp.
§ In the case of recruits who do
- 40 drills and 15 days' camp, or
- 50 drills and 8 days' camp.
§ (2)10s. for musketry or its equivalent in arms where there is no musketry qualification.
1031§ An Army Order giving full particulars is in course of preparation.
§ I am satisfied that it is not practicable or desirable to treat drills independently of camp or camp independently of drills, and prefer, therefore, the foregoing scheme to the alternative proposals of the Council of County Territorial Associations.
§ Sir H. CROFTIn view of the relief which will be felt throughout the Territorial Army regarding this decision, may I ask that widespread publicity will be given to this decision?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI hope the question asked by the hon. and gallant Member and the answer which I have given will ensure that publicity. The action dates back to the 1st March.