§ GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke, Haverfordwest)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what disposal is made of such recruits specially enlisted as do not on re-measurement reach the full standard; and whether they are retained in the service as effective soldiers, or whether they are discharged as physically 436 unfit for service; and, if the latter, how long they are retained before discharge.
§ * >MR. WYNDHAMRecruits enlisted under standard are reported on by the medical officer once a month for the first three months of their service. If the report is favourable they are retained; if unfavourable, they are brought before a medical board. That board decides whether they are to be discharged or retained as likely to become efficient soldiers. The decision of the board is acted on without reference to the standard.
§ GENERAL LAURIEArising out of that answer, am I to understand that these undersized striplings are to be retained in the Service?
§ * MR. WYNDHAMI do not think the description of the hon. and gallant Member is at all applicable.
§ GENERAL LAURIEThey do not come up to the standard at any rate.