§ 89. Miss WILKINSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the number of men enrolled as 564 recruits in the Regular and Territorial armies in the present year; whether the numbers are considered satisfactory to the War Office; and, if not, whether the War Office is at present considering a review of the conditions now offered to recruits or whether any form of compulsory service is contemplated?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERThe number of recruits obtained during the first four months of 1936 were:—Regular Army, 8,683; Territorial Army, 13,010. While the numbers forthcoming cannot be regarded as satisfactory in relation to the shortage to be made good, there is an improvement, more particularly as regards the Territorial Army which, in April, shows an increase of 2.500 over the corresponding month of last year. The conditions offered to recruits are constantly under review. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the assurance given by the Prime Minister on 1st April in answer to a question by the hon. Member for the Shettleston Division of Glasgow (Mr. McGovern).
§ Miss WILKINSONIs it the fact that conditions at the Employment Exchanges are being tightened up and that a veiled form of compulsion is thus being exercised?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERI have no information which would justify any such statement.
Mr. DAVIDSONAre the men who join up still being employed as officers' servants or batmen, and does he consider this to be a useful occupation?