§ 31. Captain GUNSTONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has in contemplation any immediate steps to improve the situation created by the shortage of recruits for the Regular Army?
Mr. COOPERYes, Sir. I propose to create a new infantry section of the Supplementary Reserve, with an initial establishment of 17,000. Enlistment will be for general service in the infantry for six years with an option of re-engagement for a further period of four years, and will be open to unmarried men between the 1299 ages of 17 and 25 years in all parts of the United Kingdom. Men enlisted into this new section of the Supplementary Reserve will be required to do 26 weeks training in the first year of their service, and 14 days training annually thereafter. They will receive a free issue of clothing on enlistment, and during the training periods full pay as for Regular Infantry of the Line, with an annual bounty of £6 conditional on their carrying out the required annual training.
§ Captain GUNSTONWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that very welcome announcement, may I ask whether the Supplementary Reserve will do their training with Regular units?
§ Mr. MATHERSWill the members of the new unit be required to certify that they have been frightened out of their wits?
§ Mr. E. J. WILLIAMSAm I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman seeks to enlist in this unit young men upon whom the Government are imposing the means test in South Wales?
§ Mr. JAGGERWill the right hon. Gentleman bring pressure to bear upon university students to enlist as privates?
§ Mr. GALLACHERWill the right hon. Gentleman call this the U.A.B. regulations battalion?
§ Mr. EMMOTTHas there been any such improvement in recruiting for the Regular Army as would cause the right hon. Gentleman to revise the figures which he gave to the House on the introduction of his Estimates?