HC Deb 31 May 1937 vol 324 cc694-5W
Sir A. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the approximate number by which the Regular and Territorial Army are now short in establishment of officers and men, respectively, in each case compared with a corresponding date last year?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The figures are as follow:

REGULAR ARMY.
Officers. Other Ranks. Total Deficiencies.
1st May, 1937 … 1,062 23,608 24,670
1st May, 1936 … 548 11,207 11,755
TERRITORIAL ARMY.
1st May, 1937 … 1,751 47,883 49,634
1st May, 1936 … 2,208 46,976 49,184

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that there have been very considerable increases in establishments during the past 12 months.