62. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what progress has been made with the centre at Canterbury to deal with the reconditioning of the unfit recruits; how many man have passed through the development course and begun their training, which in its turn will fit them to join their regiment or corps; how many men are undergoing a scientifically progressive course of exercise; and what further accommodation will be provided for the centre at Canterbury during 1938?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)This depot, at which there are now some 238 men under training, is expected to be completed by next February, and will then be able to accommodate 300 men. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 30th November to the hon. 1607 Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger). The hope my right hon. Friend then expressed that he would be in a position to extend the scope of the experiment does not necessarily mean that the depot at Canterbury will be enlarged. It might be possible to justify more than one depot for this very valuable work, if circumstances warranted such a course.
Mr. De la BèreWill the Minister see that due credit is recorded to those who thought out this scheme and that their efforts do not go unrewarded?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe scheme was thought of and under consideration by the War Office some considerable time ago.
§ Mr. PalingWhat is the cost of the scheme per week per man, and how long do the men stay there?
§ Sir V. WarrenderPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes the Minister not consider that, in view of the large number of rejections for enlistment that have taken place, this scheme should be considerably extended so as to deal with the large shortage of recruits in the Army?
§ Sir V. WarrenderMy right hon. Friend is very interested in this question. Inquiry is now being made to see how far it can be extended.