§ 41. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War whether in order to encourage recruiting in the Territorial Army and, in particular, to enable ex-service men to satisfy their desire to serve their country at this time, he will consider the further dispersion of Territorial battalions so that units may be established in all suitable towns, thus avoiding long journeys to attend drills; and whether, in order to suit the convenience of summer resorts, he will examine the possibility of holding annual training camps during the autumn months and billeting the men in halls rather than in tents?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe majority of units of the Territorial Army have already been dispersed to the fullest extent compatible with training efficiency. The Territorial Army necessarily go to camp during the summer months in which the maximum of training can be obtained and the men can best be spared from their civil employment, and living in camp forms a valuable part of the training of every soldier.
Mr. StewartWill my right hon. Friend consider the case of the minority of the Territorial battalions where the conditions set out in my question undoubtedly apply, and is he aware that without some change in the position of that minority he is actually discouraging many entrants for the Territorial Army?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIf the hon. Member is referring to some particular unit and he will communicate with me, I shall be most happy to go into the matter.