§ 14. Captain CROOKSHANK (for Mr. RAMSBOTHAM)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the shortage in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve; what steps are being taken to obtain recruits; and, seeing that one reason for the shortage is the fact that there are not enough depots, whether an increase of the number is contemplated?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The shortage, however, is not serious and is being overcome. The recruiting methods adopted by the Commanding Officers are various:
Descriptive Pamphlets.
Press Announcements.
Route Marches, etc.
Probably the most fruitful source of obtaining recruits, however, is furnished by the men themselves after performing a period of training afloat in the Fleet. An increase in the number of Divisions and Sub-Divisions would not justify the considerable expense which it would involve.