§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, I beg to ask whether His Majesty's Government have any statement to make as to their intentions in connection with the Territorial Army.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (EARL STANHOPE)My Lords, the House will remember that in a recent statement the Prime Minister announced that every aspect of our national life, including the National Defence programmes, would be examined anew. In the course of this review His Majesty's Government have been impressed with the need for availing themselves still further of the spirit of voluntary service which is manifest throughout the country. In particular they feel that they cannot allow would-be recruits for the Territorial Army to be refused because the units to which they apply are already over strength. Accordingly they have given consideration to the position, and have come to the following conclusions:
The House will appreciate that these important decisions will involve a number of consequential decisions in order 484 to provide for the necessary increases in accommodation, in the number of competent instructors, in equipment and reserves, and in the war potential necessary to maintain the increased forces. Plans for all these matters are being worked out, and further information about them will from time to time be given to the House. It will be realised that a further and much augmented effort will be required to bring home to the nation the need for obtaining the numbers aimed at in the shortest possible time, and I trust that all your Lordships will be willing in one form or another to give their aid in such an effort.
- 1. The Territorial Field Army which is now on a peace establishment of 130,000 men will be raised forthwith to war establishment, which will involve an addition of about 40,000 men to this figure.
- 2. The Territorial Field Army so brought up to war establishment will be doubled, and will therefore be allotted an establishment of 340,000 men.