§ LORD NEWTONMy Lords, I am moving for this Return on behalf of a number of noble Lords who intend to take part in the very important discussion which will take place on the 12th of next month upon the National Service League Bill introduced by Lord Roberts. I have been in communication with my noble friend opposite, and he informs me that he has no objection to the granting of the Return.
§ Moved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty for a Return of the Territorial Army on 1st July, 1909, showing—
- 1. Number of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and men serving in all branches, combatant and non-combatant, in comparison with their establishments;
- 2. Number of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and men now serving under 20 years of age;
- 3. Number of Non-Commissioned Officers and men now serving on a one year engagement;
- 4. Number of men whose period of service expires in July 1909;
- 5. Number of Units of all branches who trained in seaside camps last year, and who will train at the seaside during this summer;
- 6. Number of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and men .who (a) have not yet completed the Recruits' Course of Musketry, (b) have completed the Recruits' Course but have not completed the Annual Musketry Course.—(Lord Newton.)
THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD LUCAS)My Lords, we shall be very glad to lay this Return. As the noble Lord says, it is important to have it in time for the debate on July 12. We have therefore circularised all units and asked specially that they should send in their returns as early as possible. We 7 hope that the Return will be in your Lordships' hands at least by July 9.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.