§ 16. Sir George Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the disastrous consequences which resulted in the last war from sending insufficiently-trained men to the front, he proposes to take immediate steps for the purpose of ensuring that at the earliest possible date men called up under the Military Service Act shall receive at least six months' training before being sent to the front, instead of the reduced period of four months which has recently been introduced?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThere is no intention of sending any man to the front until he has been sufficiently trained for the duties he is required to perform. This period varies according to the arm of the service.
§ Sir G. JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether militiamen are being sent out after only four months' training?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot affirm or deny that, but it is very probable that is so. It depends upon the duty for which they are sent out.
§ Mr. George GriffithsIs it not a fact that some men have been sent out with only eight weeks' training?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI should think that is distinctly probable in the case of motor drivers, for instance.
§ Mr. GriffithsMen who have never been motor drivers before?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI do not think that would be true.
§ Mr. GriffithsI will find you a man who was sent out.
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt is quite possible. These men desire, in most cases, to go to the front as quickly as possible.