HC Deb 02 December 1952 vol 508 cc1271-2
33. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men in the Territorial Army in November, 1951, and the number at the present time.

Mr. Head

On 1st November, 1951, there were 133,277 men in the Territorial Army and 35,033 in the Army Emergency Reserve. On 1st November this year the totals were 190,720 and 82,084.

Brigadier Clarke

A great improvement after six years of Socialism.

Mr. Shinwell

But as the additional figures mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman are due to the National Service men being transferred to the Auxiliary Forces to undertake their part-time liability, would he be good enough to say whether any actual improvement has taken place in the number of those who have joined the volunteer Territorial Army?

Mr. Head

There has been some improvement, but I could wish for more. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that, especially where the Army Emergency Reserve is concerned, we are taking every possible step to encourage volunteers to that formation.

Mr. Shinwell

But does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that on the figures which he has not disclosed, but of which he is well aware, there has been no improvement whatever in the size of the Volunteer Territorial Army in the last 12 months?

Mr. Head

There has been an improvement, but it is only fair to say that it is partly due to the very considerable numbers of part-time National Service men who have become volunteer members of the Territorial Army during their part-time service.

Mr. Nicholls

Would my right hon. Friend use the Coronation procession to advertise the Territorial Army for purposes of recruiting by giving the Territorial Army really good and adequate places on the processional route?

Mr. Head

The Territorial Army will be well represented in the Coronation procession.