§ MR. BROOKFIELDI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have recently had under consideration a proposal to make all recruits for the Army verify the ages they give on enlistment; and whether, in coming to a decision upon such proposal, the authorities will duly consider the probable cost which it would involve, and the difficulties that may arise in connection with names that have been assumed?
§ MR. BRODRICKRecruits will not be called on to prove their ages. There will be no change in respect of them. But in order to become entitled to the new messing allowance the soldier must have completed his 19th year. His claim to have attained that age will be verified by reference to certificates, and where proof of age cannot be furnished the medical officer and commanding officer will be required to certify that he has the physical equivalents of 19 and is fit to do a man's work.