HC Deb 18 March 1913 vol 50 cc860-1W
Mr. WARDLE

asked the Secretary for War what is the number of recruits asked for from the railway companies to be enlisted in the Reserve forces; what are the duties which would devolve upon such recruits; and whether they would be available for only military or national emergencies, or could be called upon in case of an industrial dispute?

Colonel SEELY

The establishment of the Railway Reserve will be 345 non-commissioned officers and men. There are at present twenty-four Reservists, and the railway companies have been asked to find the balance. The men will be transferred to the Reserve immediately on enlistment, and will not be required to undergo any military training. They will be used to supplement those Regular troops forming part of the Expeditionary Force who will be employed in connection with railways. They will be liable to be called out under exactly the same conditions as the rest of the Army Reserve, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Forces Act.