HC Deb 29 November 1938 vol 342 cc236-7
41. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits that have been obtained for the Regular Army from 1st January, 1938, to date, and the comparable figures for the same period during 1937?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The number of recruits finally approved from 1st January to 19th November this year was 35,902, and for the corresponding period in 1937, 23,413.

Mr. Day

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that is now being made?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I am not satisfied with anything or anybody, but the figures do show that progress has been made.

44. Mr. G. Macdonald

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons medically examined for the Army during 1937 and 1938, and the number rejected as medically unfit, giving separate figures for Lancashire?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate such figures as I have in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

REGULAR ARMY.
Figures for the years ended 30th September, 1937, and 30th September, 1938.
— Applicants for enlistment.
Number examined by Medical Officers. Number rejected by Medical Officers.
Total 1936–1937 … … … … … … 38,493 8,543
Total 1937–1938 … … … … … … 51,673 7,563
East Lancashire and West Lancashire Areas:—
1936–1937 … … … … … … 6,694 1,946
1937–1938 … … … … … … 8,742 1,547

The East Lancashire and West Lancashire areas include, in addition to Lancashire, Cumberland, Westmorland, Cheshire and Staffordshire. Separate figures for the County of Lancashire alone are not available.