asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has taken steps to increase the military training of members of the Royal Army Pay Corps, and other non-combatant services, to enable them to be prepared to defend themselves against attack in the event of the need arising?

Personnel of the Royal Army Pay Corps and similar Corps receive the maximum amount of training in the use of arms that is compatible with the proper performance of their special duties.

Is my hon. Friend aware that that answer is similar to the one which he gave me two or three weeks ago, when I asked whether it might not be increased; and is he further aware that his answer will give very great dissatisfaction to many men serving who are anxious to have more training? Will he consider whether they cannot have some physical training?

Those in non-combatant corps do receive the maximum amount of training in the use of weapons that is possible in their case. Obviously they cannot receive the same amount of training as is given in combatant formations, because otherwise they could not perform their special duties.

Could not the excellent example of the army Medical Service in this matter be followed?