§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if it is a fact that the standard required for qualification as interpreter in the Russian language was raised in the recent examination without notice, and that, in consequence, no officer qualified; and having regard to the time and money spent by them in the study thereof, if the unsuccessful candidates will be allowed to present themselves again at the next Army language examination, and be afforded such facilities as are possible for local study?
§ MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir, the standard of qualification for Russian interpreters has not been raised. Unsuccessful candidates can present them- 540 selves at any future examination. As regards facilities for local study, special leave of absence for six months is-allowed by the Queen's Regulations to officers qualifying for interpreters. The question of extension beyond this period has been referred to the Adjutant General for the consideration of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief.