§ 24. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House information concerning the proposals of the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics to create a force of 15,000,000 military reservists?
§ Mr. DALTONHis Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow has been officially informed by the Soviet Government that the alleged instructions for the formation of such a reserve, which have been mentioned in certain organs of the Press, have no existence. I understand that some military training is normally given in Soviet schools and universities, and also through the agency of certain organisations, such as the Society for Aerial and Chemical Warfare, and the Automobile and Road Improvement Society.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan the hon. Member state what is the Reserve strength of the Soviet Army at the present time?
§ Mr. DALTONNo, Sir.
§ Mr. WELLOCKIs it not the case that military training is given in this country in officers training corps at public schools and universities?
§ Mr. DALTONYes, Sir. In that respect our practice seems to resemble that of Soviet Russia.