75. Mr. Anstruther-Crayasked the Secretary for War whether, in view of the intake of recruits during the last year, he is satisfied that the Regular Army can be maintained up to strength without far-reaching improvement in the conditions and prospects of service; and whether he is in a position to make any statement on the matter?
§ 77. Major Stourtonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to announce the improvements in the conditions of service for the Regular Army now under consideration; and if these include a general increase in pay, the shortennig of the tour of foreign service, the holding of an increased number of vacancies in Government Departments at the disposal of time-expired soldiers of good character, and the restoration of full-dress uniform?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The appropriate time, if any, to announce such changes would be in connection with Army Estimates. In the meantime the House will have noted 22 the improving intake of recruits. From 1st August to 16th October the increase over the corresponding period last year is 23 per cent.