HC Deb 24 May 1938 vol 336 cc1006-7
2. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for War the establishments of the Regular Army, Territorial Army, and Reserves as at the last convenient date, and the figures for the comparable period in 1914?

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Gentleman's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Day

Will the figures which the Minister is going to circulate show the absolute minimum requirements for the defence of the Empire?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Yes, Sir.

Following is the answer:

Establishment.
1st April, 1914. 1st April, 1938.
British Troops, exclusive of India and Burma:—
Regimental, Staff and Miscellaneous Establishments 168,762(a) 161,451(b)
Colonial and Indian Troops 8,771 5,249
Army Reserve 147,000 142,500
Supplementary Reserve (including Permanent Staff) 56,465
Special Reserve (including Regular Establishment) 81,097
Militia, etc. (including Permanent Staff) 6,246 1,132
Territorial Army (including Permanent Staff) 315,485 203,899
Officers Training Corps (Officers and Permanent Staff) 1,110 1,049
(a) Excludes additional numbers (3,300), Royal Flying Corps (1,429) and Central Flying School (103).
(b) Excludes additional numbers (779).
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