§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for War the number of applicants for enlistment in the Army this year who were unemployed at the date of their application for enlistment?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaOf the 32,555 applicants for enlistment during the first six months of this year, 8,916 were unemployed at the time of their application.
§ Mr. KennedyIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with a method of enlistment which depends to a certain extent on industrial needs?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI think the figures show the contrary.
§ 39. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War the total number of applicants 2893 for enlistment and of acceptances in the quarter ended 30th June, 1938; how these numbers compare with the figures for the same quarter of 1937; and whether it is anticipated that the estimated shortage of 62,000 will be made up by 31st March, 1939?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIn the June quarter of this year there were 15,584 applicants for enlistment. The corresponding figure for the same quarter of last year was 11,663. 10,233 recruits were finally approved in the June quarter this year, as compared with 5,517 in the same period last year. Never before in a June quarter has such a high total been reached. If this rate of intake were roughly maintained for the rest of the year, the shortage remaining on the 31st March next would be under 20,000, and not 62,000 as mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not a fact that on 31st March last, there was a shortage of 22,000 and that it was estimated that 32,000 men go on to the Reserve this year? Will there not therefore still be a shortage next year?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to consider the answer, which is perhaps more satisfactory than he realises.