§ 30. Sir Francis Fremantleasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to improve the facilities for physical training in the Territorial Army, he will arrange for qualified physical training instructors of the Regular Army, on completion of their seven years' service, to be attached to the Territorial Army instead of to the Reserve of the Regular Army?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have no power to compel any such soldiers to extend their Colour Service from seven to twelve years. If the arrangement suggested were on a voluntary basis, there would be no means of ensuring a proper distribution of instructors.
§ Sir F. FremantleIs it not a fact that at the present moment some 300 of these non-commissioned officers go into the Reserve and are not allowed to put in for this job, and, therefore, that all the excellent physical training given them is wasted at a time when these instructors are very much wanted?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt is the duty of the permanent staff instructors.
§ Sir F. FremantleIs it not possible that these excellent 300 men can be included in the permanent staff that is so much wanted?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have answered that part of the question and shown the difficulty.
§ Sir F. FremantleDoes my right hon. Friend mean that it is impossible to use this excellent material in the way required? Surely he can see some way round it?