§ 34. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War what was the purpose of his visit to Aberystwyth; the cost of the display; the number of recruits enlisted; and what other results have been obtained.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe purpose of my visit to Aberystwyth was to open a Territorial Army recruiting week at the request of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association of Cardiganshire. The cost of the display was about £100. As the campaign took place only last week I cannot say how many recruits have been enlisted but interest has been aroused not only among the inhabitants of Aberystwyth, but also among the students. Experience shows that the results of a recruiting campaign of this sort cannot be expected immediately.
§ Mr. HughesCould the Minister tell us if he said to the students:
If you are not disciplined now you will be disciplined when we get you.and if that was followed by the question:When did you join?"—and what was the Minister's reply?
§ Mr. ShinwellAll I have to say is that that observation was quite off the record.
§ Colonel RopnerDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that rather less talk and rather more practical demonstrations of sympathy with the Territorial Army would do more good, as for instance the issuing of No. 1 battledress?
§ Mr. ShinwellAll I can say is that a great deal has been done for the Territorial Army organisation in the past 12 months.