HC Deb 24 March 1936 vol 310 cc1030-2
13. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider altering the regulations so that both officers and men of the Territorial Army may be eligible for long-service medals after 10 years' service?

Mr. COOPER

The Royal Warrants governing the award of the Efficiency Decoration and the Efficiency Medal, to members of the Auxiliary Forces throughout the Empire, were drawn up as recently as 1930 after very careful consideration. To make the change suggested by my hon. Friend would require the concurrence of the several Dominions, Colonies and Departments concerned, and I am not satisfied that any revision of the conditions is necessary.

Mr. ALBERY

Will my right hon. Friend make inquiries to ascertain whether this change is desirable because officers and men might remain longer in the service?

Mr. COOPER

I am willing to keep the matter under consideration.

14. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to issue walking-out uniforms to the Territorial Army as an aid to recruitment?

Mr. COOPER

This with other suggestions to improve recruiting is under consideration.

16. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War which units of the Territorial Army have turned away recruits during the past year through being over strength?

Mr. COOPER

The information sought by my hon. Friend is not available at the War Office, and could only be obtained by circular inquiry of all County Territorial Army Associations who are responsible for the recruiting.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will my right hon. Friend consider allowing units which can get more recruits to recruit above their establishment in order to off-set deficiences in other units?

Mr. COOPER

I will consider that.

20. Mr. TOUCHE

asked the Secretary of State for War which county councils allow their employés who are members of the Territorial Army to attend camp without loss of pay or normal holidays; and whether he will consider making representations to all county councils as to the desirability of establishing this practice?

Mr. COOPER

The information asked for is not available at the War Office. I will, however, gladly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

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