HC Deb 09 June 1931 vol 253 cc797-8
42. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee to investigate whether there are any more effective methods of obtaining officers for the Army than through officers' training corps?

Mr. SHAW

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 18th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Shillaker).

Mr. MANDER

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the existing method is the best, in view of the very small percentage of those who have been through the officers' training corps who actually join the Army?

Mr. SHAW

I am satisfied that an addition to the existing method might be made, but I am not inclined to agree that the existing method is bad.

Sir ERNEST BENNETT

Is it not a fact that of the whole body of the officers' training corps, 30,000 strong, not 2 per cent. take commissions in the Regular Army, and not 3 per cent. even in the Territorial Army?

Mr. GODFREY WILSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware what the officers' training corps did for the Army in the War?

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