THE BALLOT FOR TERRITORIALS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23131, 21 September 1940, Page 14

THE BALLOT FOR TERRITORIALS

IMMEDIATE START OF

TRAINING

MEN STILL LIABLE FOR

OVERSEAS SERVICE

Men who are drawn in the ballot next week for territorial service, who are passed medically fit and not exempted, will be expected to go into camp immediately. Tills was stated by the Minister for National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, in a telephone interview with “The Press’’ yesterday. Answering a number of questions about the operation of the ballot, Mr Semple emphasised that men selected for territorial service in the ballot next week would not be exempt from service overseas at a later da:e. “Men included in the ballot next week lor territorial service will not be exempt from future overseas service,” the Minister said. “They will be included in future ballots for overseas service. - Those who are balloted on Tuesday will be called on for medical examination immediately, and will be asked to go into camp in October. That is, they will be called on for service immediately after examination and after details such as examination and exemption are settled.” Replying to another question, Mr Semple said that the number of men registered in the first division of the General Reserve was approximately 93.000. That was the total number from which the first ballot was being taken. Further ballots to be taken would be from that division, as circumstances warranted such action. The Minister also emphasised that while the ballot next week aimed at securing 16,000 men, the plan to bring the territorial forces up to full strength required considerably fewer men than 16.000, and that the total aimed at took account of defections through medical unfitness and exemption because of occupational status. The 16,000 called up made full allowance for all possible exemptions. Another ballot would not be needed to make up the required number for territorial service. “Will there be another ballot before Christmas?” the Minister was asked. He replied that any such action would be governed entirely by circumstances but that if another ballot were found necessary, it would be so arranged that very adequate notice would be given to those called up. . Applications for exemption from service involved in the ballot next week will be heard by the district manpower committees, Mr Semple said. The manpower committees would deal solely with service in the territorials. and would hear allappeals arising from the first ballot. Mr Semple emphasised that this coming ballot was designed solely to bring the territorial establishment up to full war strength.