35. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department has now a definite fixed policy regarding the age at which a soldier can be sent on foreign service?
§ Sir J. GriggA soldier is not sent overseas until he is 19. This is the limit observed when whole units are sent abroad. Soldiers are, however, not usually sent overseas in drafts until they reach the age of 19½.
Mr. DavidsonIf cases are submitted to the right hon. Gentleman concerning boys under that age and men of 47 years of age, will they be treated sympathetically by the War Office?
§ Sir J. GriggI will certainly look into them.
§ Mr. CocksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have in my pocket particulars of the case of a lad of 18 years of age who was sent abroad? Will he look into such cases?
§ Sir J. GriggI have said that I will.
§ Mr. McGovernIf a boy under 19 years of age is sent overseas and attention is drawn to the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman have the boy brought back?
§ Sir J. GriggI should require notice of that Question.