43. Colonel Arthur Evansasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the monthly intake of officers into the Auxiliary Territorial Service is sufficient to meet the total requirements of the Army; and whether he will meet these requirements by selecting a reasonable proportion of candidates to fill immobile appointments which would provide potential officer material suited for administrative appointments in the static commands throughout the United Kingdom, such officers, whose immobile obligation would be full time, being subject to normal mobile duties in the event of imminent invasion?
§ Sir E. GriggThe monthly intake of Auxiliary Territorial Service officers is sufficient to meet the present needs of the Service, since the formation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service section of the Army Officers Emergency Reserve has enabled us to draw upon a large number of women with suitable qualifications in civilian life. For the reasons given in the answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison) on 14th October, 1941, immoble units of the Auxiliary Terri- 198 torial Service have been found not to make for maximum efficiency and therefore all ranks are now required to be mobile.
Colonel EvansIn order that Members of the House may have an opportunity of considering arguments in support of the proposals contained in the Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment at an early date.