§ [The Question was as follows: To ask His Majesty's Government how much money will be saved by the recent War Office decision to curtail the number of permanent staff instructors with Territorial Army units.]
§ LORD MARLEYMy Lords, I have to answer this Question on behalf of my noble friend the Under-Secretary of State for War who has been called away on important public business. The cost of the permanent staff instructors with Territorial Army Infantry Battalions, who are being reduced, would amount to approximately £16,000 in a normal year. These instructors will return to their own Regular units and, as a result, there will only be a small immediate saving on such matters as lodging and other allowances. My noble friend endeavoured to make it clear in the previous discussion of this question that the reductions arose from a review of the establishments of instructors and have not been made merely in order to save money. The revised establishments have been carefully worked out with due regard to training requirements and proper administration. An assurance has already been given that cases in which difficulties arise will be carefully considered. It is not anticipated that the difficulties which have been prophesied will arise to any serious extent. But that can only be a matter for experience, and will be determined by the working of the revised establishment in practice. I suggest that we ought to have at least a year's trial before we come to any decision. In any case, I am advised that the War Office will very carefully watch the working of the training under the revised establishment.
I am further informed definitely that there is no truth in the suggestion made by the noble Earl, Lord Peel, in a recent debate on this question, that this reduction of establishments represents a case of sacrificing the Territorial Army for the benefit of the Regulars. There is no truth in that. Whatever may have been the position when the noble Earl, Lord Peel, was at the War Office, the attitude of the Regular Army is now in- 1127 creasingly influenced by a recognition of the importance of the Territorial Army. Assistance by Regular units and depots is being freely given. The number of courses in which Territorial personnel participate is increased; and this year, I am informed, special facilities for training are being provided at the expense of the Regulars. It is a mistake, therefore, to attempt in any way to play off one against the other in this matter.
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord for his very full reply to the Question I asked and for other matters as well. But the upshot of his reply to my Question is that no particular saving is being made by these reductions.
§ LORD MARLEYNot this year.