§ 19. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary of State for War what action he proposes to take to rectify the decline in the number of persons recruited into the Army during last year?
§ Mr. SHAWBad recruiting periods recur from time to time, and there is no sovereign remedy for them. But I can assure the right hon. Member that the problem of maintaining the strength of the Army is engaging the constant attention of the Army Council.
§ Colonel ASHLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman recently considered the advisability of issuing a smarter uniform?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill he not do so; and does he not think that youths of 17 or 18 are greatly attracted by smart clothes?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhy, when a not unreasonable suggestion is put forward, should the right hon. Gentleman not give it courteous consideration?
§ Mr. SHAWBecause it is not the time at questions to have a discussion as to the advisability of one form of uniform as against another.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWall the right hon. Gentleman consider putting all the Army into kilts?
§ Mr. HACKINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that he can get recruits without lowering the standard?
§ Mr. SHAWI shall make a statement to-morrow about the standard, concerning which there are some regrettable features, I am afraid.
§ Mr. DAYWas this question not considered on many occasions by the previous Government, who decided not to make any change?