§ Captain Viscount SANDONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, before he approves of the alteration of the present system of recruiting for line battalions of the Regular Army, he will 741W consider the matter carefully in its wider aspect as to the necessity of preserving esprit de corps by safeguarding the territorial connection in the rural counties, such as Shropshire, where population is scattered?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS:The proposed modifications in the recruiting system have been most carefully considered in all their aspects, and have been subjected to a practical test for two years. The instructions on the subject, which are about to be issued, have been so framed as to safeguard adequately the esprit de corps and territorial connection of all regiments of infantry. I can assure the Noble Lord that the Army Council fully appreciates the importance and value of these characteristics of our Army system, and every consideration is given to them when carrying out any re-organisation.