§ 22. Mr. Hoggasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the growing indignation amongst men of military age whose offers of service in the Army are being rejected; and what steps he proposes to take to allay this indignation?
§ Sir V. WarrenderMy right hon. Friend, on the first day of war, outlined with the general approval of the House an orderly system for the calling up and use of man-power; since when as my hon. Friend has probably seen classes between the ages of 20 and 22 have been proclaimed and will be summoned to the Colours in a regular manner. Subsequently, other classes will be summoned. I am sure the House will agree that by proceeding in this manner we are avoiding those errors in the use of man-power which had to be redeemed with so much difficulty during the last Great War. I would point out, further, that many opportunities were given for 1797 men of all ages to join the Territorial Army before the outbreak of war and this they did on a scale comparable with the recruitment after the outbreak of the last War. Further opportunities will arise, and there are vacancies already advertised for men with specialised knowledge.
§ Mr. HoggDoes that mean that the express policy of the Government is to use, throughout the war, conscripted service to the exclusion of voluntary service, even where voluntary service is available; and will the Government bear in mind the grave danger which may result, both from a military and a social point of view, from the calling-up en bloc of large numbers of very young men of the same age, to the exclusion of anybody else?
§ Sir V. WarrenderNo, Sir, it does not mean that. It means that we want to relate offers of voluntary service to our regularised system. I can tell my hon. Friend that opportunities for taking on men who register themselves as volunteers will very soon occur.
§ Sir P. HarrisDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it a great waste of man-power for men who are out of work and who wish to join the Army not to be able to give their services; and will the War Office consider opening the recruiting offices so that any men who wish to join the Army before their particular class is called up can register?
§ Sir V. WarrenderMen can register now.
§ Mr. SandysIn that connection, will my hon. Friend consider the possibility of issuing a badge to those who have volunteered but who cannot yet be taken?
§ Captain StricklandIs it proposed in the near future to form "bantam battalions," to meet the great demand among men who do not come up to the present requisite standard of height for the Army?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThat is another point. I would like notice of that.