§ 49. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary of State for War whether fihere has been any improvement during the past three months in the number of persons being recruited into the Army?
§ Mr. SANDERSCompared with the same period last year, there was a fall in the intake of recruits during the past three months.
§ Mr. HACKINGCan the Financial Secretary say what method has been adopted to improve recruiting?
§ Mr. SANDERSI cannot give a detailed reply to that question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is receiving the continuous and careful attention of the Secretary of State and the Army Council.
§ Mr. HACKINGHave any measures been taken for improving it?
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan the hon. Gentleman state the extent of the fall?
§ Mr. SANDERSAs compared with last year, the fall is about 500 for the same period.
§ Colonel ASHLEYDo the War Office still specifically and definitely exclude the possibility of improving recruiting by giving the troops smarter uniforms?
§ Mr. SANDERSI will bring that matter before the notice of my right hon. Friend.
Earl WINTERTONIs it proposed to alter the practice adopted by several of the Secretary of State's predecessors in similar circumstances, that is for the Secretary of State himself to address meetings in the principal centres of the country—
§ Dr. SALTERNo.
§ Dr. SALTERCertainly.
Earl WINTERTON—in favour of men joining His Majesty's Army? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether that course has been adopted?