§ 34. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits obtained for the Regular Army and the Territorial Forces in the first six months of 1930; how the numbers compare with 1929; and to what cause he attributes the decline, if any?
§ Mr. SHAWFor the first five months of 1930, 11,949 recruits enlisted into the Regular Army and 15,647 into the Territorial Army. The comparable figures for 1929 were 12,753 and 14,770. Figures for June, 1930, are not yet available. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think it possible to attribute the fall in recruiting for the Regular Army to any single cause. I might add for the information of the hon. and gallant member that the number of applicants for the Regular Army served with notice papers during the first three months of 1930 and 1929 were 18,988 and 20,197 respectively and of these totals only 8,098 and 8,292 were accepted as recruits.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to make up the deficiency in recruits, which is really serious, being only about 10 per cent.?
§ Mr. SHAWEvery kind of effort which has previously been made is being made to-day. I am fully aware of the gravity of the position. The figures which I have given of the numbers of people who offer their services to the Army and are turned down because of defective physique are raising the greatest anxiety not only in my mind but in the mind of everyone who has a love for his country.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes not my right hon. Friend think that one of the contributory causes of the decline of recruiting is the fact that a more enlightened view of war is now spreading?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider countering the position by a personal recruiting campaign in the country?