§ 19. Mr. Wiggasked the Secretary of State for War the average number of Regular recruits per annum the Army expects to recruit in the future, apart from those entering on engagements of three years with the Colours and four years with the Reserve, and the average number of years it is anticipated such recruits will serve.
§ Mr. HareAssuming present conditions and existing terms of service, I estimate that about 23,000 men will enlist during the next financial year on engagements other than three years with the Colours and four years with the Reserve, and that the average length of service of such recruits will be about five years. I am not prepared to forecast further ahead.
§ Mr. WiggWould not the Minister agree that, on the basis of those figures, this country is foredoomed, in spite of fantastic expenditure, to a Regular Army of under 100,000 other ranks? Surely he and his colleagues must do something about this immediately.
§ Mr. HareI cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's forecast; I do not think that it bears any relation to the truth.