HC Deb 20 January 1937 vol 319 c180
18. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state, to the last convenient date, how far the intake of recruits for the Regular Army has fallen short of the recruits required during the current 12 months?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

At the beginning of this month, the number of recruits taken fell 19,454 short of the 35,140 required during the year ending 31st March next.

Mr. Paling

May we take it that the policy of the Secretary of State for War, of scaring people out of their wits, has failed to this extent?

Mr. Day

Is it necessary for recruits to give six months' references previous to their enlistment?