§ MR. PIRIEI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he can state how many of the recruits obtained since the new enlistment regulations came into force have produced, in order to benefit by the increased pay given when efficient, on their satisfying the authorities that they are really 19 years of age, definite proof by birth certificate or otherwise of their actual age on enlistment; and the percentage which this number bears to the total enlisted?
§ MR. WYNDHAMUnder the Royal Warrant a recruit who claims the Messing Allowance, after fulfilling the conditions of military efficiency, is not required to produce a birth certificate. The allowance is granted on a certificate from the officer commanding and the medical officer that they are satisfied that he is at least 19 years of age.