§ 55. Major Raynerasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of civil servants now actually serving in the Territorial Forces; and what steps are taken by the different Departments to stimulate enlistment in the Territorials on the part of their respective staffs?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)As regards the first part of the question, I regret that the information is not available. As regards the second part, I am glad to be able to assure my hon. and gallant Friend that, subject only to the vital requirements of the public service, Government Departments give every encouragement to members of their staff to join the Territorial Army, and I would refer him in this connection to the first part of the answer which I gave on 9th December last to my hon. Friend the Member for King's Lynn (Mr. Maxwell).
§ 59. Mr. Keelingasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how soon he proposes to issue a circular to Government Departments informing them of the decision to grant extra leave with pay to civil servants attending Territorial camps?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI hope that the necessary detailed instructions will be issued in the course of the next two or three weeks.
§ Mr. KeelingIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is eight months since a decision was reached and that the delay in issuing a circular to civil servants is prejudicing the recruiting of them for the Territorials?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThe decision to grant leave with pay has already been announced. As for the detailed instruction for which my hon. Friend is waiting I would remind him that there are other auxiliary forces. Their period of training may differ, and it is desirable that the instruction when issued should be comprehensive.