Major TERRELLasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether many Training Reserve battalions are much under their establishment and in some cases 50 per cent, below establishment; and, if so, whether he will take steps to effect a great saving and to release a number of officers for service at the front by reducing the number of such battalions?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe establishment of Training Reserve battalions is based on the number of men required to be undergoing training, in order to furnish the necessary reinforcements. Owing to the uncertain inflow of recruits, some battalions necessarily on occasions fall below their establishment. I am afraid that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is not in the circumstances practicable.