HC Deb 05 December 1938 vol 342 c883W
Mr. Errington

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is satisfied that no appreciable number of officers and men of the Territorial Army will be required for civil duties in the event of a national emergency;

(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that the places of officers and men of the Territorial Army, who in a national emergency would be required for urgent civil duties, should be filled by trained men who would not be so required?

Sir V. Warrender

The question whether any particular individual, at any given time, will be more advantageously employed in one of the Services, or in his normal occupation, is one for authority to decide in the light of requirements.

In order to meet the eventuality that men in some units may be better employed in their normal occupations, units of the Territorial Army are permitted to recruit considerably in excess of their establishments.