§ Major Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for War why officers in the R A.S.C. who have deferred their demobilisation to continue serving are being sent to the R.A.S.C. school, Aldershot, for courses of instruction in the duties which these officers have been performing most efficiently; what was the 1939 establishment of the Aldershot R.A.S.C. school; what is the establishment today; and whether any reduction is contemplated.
§ Mr. LawsonFollowing is the answer: Due to the general shortage of officers in the R.A.S.C. those who have deferred release have, in many cases, had to be redirected into branches of the Corps of which they have had no previous experience. Short courses of instruction have been arranged to fit them for their new duties. They are not sent unless their period of voluntary deferment is for one year or more. The 1939 establishment of the R.A.S.C. Training Centre was 18 officers, 97 other ranks and 18 civilians, with a training capacity of 200 officers a year. The present authorised establishment of the Officer Training Centre and O.C.T.U., R.A.S.C., is 65 officers, 413 other ranks, 204 A.T.S. and 80 civilians, with an average annual training capacity of 1,380 officers and 580 cadets. The functions of the Centre have changed considerably since 1939, however, and the above figures do not provide a true comparison.
A new establishment is under consideration involving the amalgamation of the Centre with three other R.A.S.C. Training units. A reduction of some 40 per cent. on the combined establishments is contemplated.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War how many. 1246W officers and other ranks are employed in the R.A.S.C. officers' training school at Aldershot; and whether he is aware that officers whose demobilisation has been deferred are being sent to this and other schools on courses lasting from three to six weeks.
§ Mr. LawsonThe strength of this Officer Training Centre, which includes the R.A.S.C., O.C.T.U., was, on 20th November, 52 officers, 533 other ranks, 211 A.T.S. and 19 civilians. I am aware that certain officers whose release has been deferred are being sent for courses to this and other schools of instruction, but this applies only to those who have voluntarily deferred and who, owing to the shortage of officers, have had to be redirected into a different branch of the Corps. The only other officers who attend courses at the schools are Regular officers and those not yet due for release.