HC Deb 11 March 1912 vol 35 cc926-8W
Mr. FRED HALL

(Dulwich) asked whether the nominal strength of the Territorial Force is based upon the calculated minimum requirements of the Service for which they are intended; whether the actual present number is below that strength; and, if so, what is the total percentage of such deficiency?

Colonel SEELY

The establishment of the Territorial Force is naturally based on the requirements of the Service for which it is intended. The present shortages on establishment are as follows:—Officers, 16.6 per cent:; non-commissioned officers and men, 12.7 per cent. Total, 12.9 per cent.

Mr. HUNT

asked how many shots a Territorial recruit is required to fire with the Service rifle and the full ammunition before he can be put down as having passed in musketry, and at what distances must the shots be fired?

Colonel SEELY

A recruit to pass the standard test must score forty-five points at the following ranges:—

100 yards 5 rounds
200 yards 10 rounds
500 yards 5 rounds

If he fails to pass the test he can qualify under paragraph 361 (2) and (3) Territorial Force Regulations by firing fifty rounds at an open or thirty yards range.

Colonel YATE

asked how many of the men serving in the Infantry of the Territorial Force fired the full musketry course with Service ball ammunition during the year 1911 on open ranges; and how many failed to fire that course?

Colonel SEELY

The figures for Infantry, including field companies of Royal Engineers, are as follows:—

Recruits.
Tested in standard test 46,532
Not tested 7,772
Qualified 25,912
Failed 20,620
Qualified under paragraph 361 (2) and (3) Territorial Force Regulations 17,099
Recruiting Area. Applications for Enlistment. Rejections. Percentage of total Rejections.
Total Rejections. Rejections by Medical Officers.
Physical Reasons. Discuses or Ailments.
London 10,024 3,593 930 2,434 35.84
Birmingham 1,450 440 13 305 30.34
Manchester 1,290 560 41 443 43.41
Leeds 709 409 15 143 57.68
York, not available 14th Recruiting Area (including York) 342 179 19 104 52.34
Liverpool 1,155 480 16 386 41.55
Burnley, discontinued as a separate Recruiting Area 31–3–1911
Bolton, not a separate Recruiting Area
Glasgow 1,175 403 73 275 34.29
Dundee 1,137 486 1 52 42.74
Edinburgh 1,941 1,224 41 225 63.06
United Kingdom 64,538 28,900 2,180 10,125 44.78
Trained Men.
Tested in standard test 107,433
Not tested 6,733
Qualified 94,040
Failed 13,393
Qualified under paragraph 361 (2) and (3) Territorial Force Regulations 12,422