§ Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for War whether instructions have been given to refuse applications to join the Territorial forces or other forces made by youths between the ages of 20 and 21 years; and, if so, on what authority these instructions have been given in anticipation of legislation not yet passed?
§ Sir V. WarrenderIn view of the proposal to introduce universal military training for men between the ages of 20 and 21, it was at first considered undesirable to continue to accept for the Territorial Army men of this category, and instructions accordingly were issued by the War Office in the exercise of its administrative authority. Shortly afterwards, it being proposed that their service in the Terirtorial Army should count in diminution of their subsequent period of service after the completion of the six months' training, it was decided that men, who on the passing of the Military Training Bill become liable to compulsory military training, should nevertheless be accepted for the Territorial Army. The instructions previously issued were then cancelled.