HC Deb 14 December 1937 vol 330 cc972-3
27. Mr. Goldie

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to the encouragement of enlistment in the Territorial Army, he is prepared to allow enlistment in the first instance to be for a probationary period of one year with the option to extend, in order to secure the services of those men who for personal reasons are not prepared to bind themselves for the present period of four years?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

If the adoption of this proposal resulted in a widespread reduction of the periods of service of men of the Territorial Army, not only would training suffer, but the strength of the Territorial Army might fall, compared with that now reached, despite some increase in the number of recruits.

Mr. Goldie

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what happens in the case of a recruit who, for reasons of employment, has to leave the area in which he enlisted?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

If the hon. and learned Gentleman will put down that question I will get him an answer.

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