§ 1. Captain ARCHIBALD RAMSAYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the instructions issued on 9th November, 1932, by the War Office, in their circular letter concerning Territorial training camps in 1933 to all commands and Territorial Army associations, to the effect that Territorial commanding officers should influence men to remain with the colours until an authoritative statement regarding these camps can be made, may be taken as authority for deferring the re-engagement of men whose service would otherwise expire before the promulgation of such authoritative statement?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)No, Sir. When a man's engagement runs out, he must make up his mind either to take his discharge or to apply to re-engage. The intention of the letter in question is that men who are contemplating taking their discharge should be encouraged to delay their decision until the last possible moment pending an announcement on the subject of next year's camps.
§ Captain RAMSAYIn view of the fact that this delay is causing loss of valuable men and widespread anxiety among many of the associations, can the hon. Gentleman hurry on this important announcement, in order to minimise the loss?
§ Mr. COOPERI will do all in my power in that direction, but my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that it is impossible to make any final statement until our Estimates have been passed.