HC Deb 02 May 1939 vol 346 cc1661-2
2. Mr. Roland Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by members of the Territorial Army residing and working in British health resorts who are asked to attend the camps in the months of July and August; whether he is aware that these are the busiest months of the year in these resorts; and whether he will arrange for some of the camps to be held in the spring in order to ease their difficulties and stimulate recruiting in these resorts?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The camping season for the Territorial Army in 1939 will extend from early May until late September. Camping dates for units are being arranged as far as possible to suit the majority in the unit, with due regard to trade holidays, the convenience of employers, and the availability of camping sites.

Captain Arthur Evans

Is it not possible for a Territorial soldier who, through no fault of his own, cannot attend camp within the period named, to be attached to a Regular unit for the same period at a time which will be most convenient to him?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal, but I am not sure it will be easy now that the Regular Army has so many other responsibilities.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

In spite of the regulations which my right hon. Friend has indicated, will he consider the fact that there are tens of thousands of men in the summer resorts who want to join the Territorials but are prohibited from doing so because the camps are concentrated within the short period of the summer months?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

They are concentrated between May and September, and that covers all the appropriate seasons.