§ 36. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyleasked the. Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement as to the progress 235 of enrolment in the Officers' Emergency Reserve; and whether it is proposed to afford officers who have been accepted and allocated to a particular class of duty an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the duties which they will be called upon to undertake in the event of their mobilisation?
The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hare-Belisha)The number of enrolled members of the Officers' Emergency Reserve is 3,222, whilst a further 5,284 application forms are under consideration. In addition, some 15,000 inquiries for information regarding the Officers' Emergency Reserve have been received. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the Regulations which contain information as to the training that members of this reserve can perform.
§ Mr. Garro JonesHow long is it going to take to notify those officers who volunteered during and prior to the crisis that their services have been accepted? Why has it taken months to decide whether the 5,000 applicants have been even accepted, let alone allocated to any duty?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI do not know what the hon. Member has in mind, but if he will give me particulars I will give him an answer.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that thousands of officers volunteered for the reserve during and prior to the last emergency, and that they have not yet even been notified that they have been accepted? What is the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat is not the question on the Paper, and if the hon. Member will put his question down I will give him an answer.