§ 21. Brigadier Prior-Palmerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will indicate the source from which instructors will be provided for the training depôts which are being formed in place of the training battalions which are reverting to field formations.
§ Mr. StracheyThe group infantry training centres which have been set up are staffed mainly by the battalions of the infantry group concerned, wherever possible on a proportionate basis.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many N.C.Os. 704 are being "milked" from the battalions which are being formed, in order to provide instructors at the training depôts they have just left? Is he aware that more than a year ago I suggested this would happen, and will he consider calling for volunteers as instructors from those who were instructors in training depôts during the war and are now in civilian life and could be called back to perform this task?
§ Mr. StracheyThere are, of course, two burdens on the Army. There is the training burden and the formation of these active formations, and they do conflict to some extent, but both must be attended to.