asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking with a view to bringing units of the Territorial Army up to their authorised establishments, having regard to the extension of continuous National Service from 18 months to two years and the corresponding delay in National Service men passing to the Territorial Army.

The extension of full-time National Service from 18 months to two years has provided an increase in our Regular Forces which it is unavoidable should be at the expense of the Territorial Army. In the long run, however, the Territorial Army will receive better trained men. Voluntary recruitment for the Territorial Army is, of course, proceeding.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the possible use of class Z Reservists in certain circumstances to fill the gaps in the Territorial Army?

The circumstances in which the class Z Reserve ought to be used are very different from the circumstances obtaining at present

Does not the hon. Gentleman recall that the Minister of Defence told the House that he is planning everything for 1951 but that, so far, the War Office have done nothing—at least, they have not informed this House of any steps to make the Territorial Army fit for anything by 1951? What does the hon. Gentleman propose to do?

I cannot agree. On a number of occasions this House has been informed of what has been done for the Territorial Army.

Has the Minister also considered the possibility of allowing men to volunteer to perform their National Service in the Territorial Army with a shortened period of continuous service and a higher liability for drills when they are in the Territorial Army?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is now proposing something which, I think, would involve an alteration of the National Service Acts.