HC Deb 09 March 1936 vol 309 cc1800-1
69. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men required to bring all existing battalions up to full strength?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Sir Victor Warrender)

Approximately 5,000 recruits would have to be forthcoming to complete the recruiting establishment of the infantry of the line by the end of the present month.

Mr. THORNE

Does that answer mean that the present strength is not what it ought to be; and if you are in that position to-day, about getting the men you want, what about the future?

Sir V. WARRENDER

If the hon. Gentleman will read my answer he will see that it merely refers to the numbers required to bring the infantry of the line up to the existing recruiting establishment.

Mr. GEORGE, GRIFFITHS

Is it not a fact that the reason why recruits are so slack in coming forward is that they do not want to be in the margarine parade?

70. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the strength of the Regular Army, the Territorial Army, and the Reserve in 1914 and at the present time, respectively?

Sir V. WARRENDER

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the permission of my hon. Friend, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is it not a fact that there is a very serious deficiency in the present numbers as compared with 1914?

Sir V. WARRENDER

Yes, in certain respects.

Sir W. DAVISON

That being so, do the Government recognise the seriousness of the fact that the present number is gravely short; and will the present number be made up to the proper strength as soon as possible?

Sir V. WARRENDER

Yes, these matters are receiving close consideration.

Following is the answer:

The establishments included in the Estimates for 1914–15 and 1935–36 respectively, were as follow:

1914–15. 1935–36.
Regular Army, at home and abroad, including the British Troops on Indian establishment. 257,464* 208,630
Territorial Army 312,890 175,094
Army Reserve 147,000 113,000
Special Reserve 80,120 Nil
Supplementary Reserve Nil 24,978
* Excludes 1,532 of the Royal Flying Corps and Central Flying School.