§ SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that volunteers for ambulance service in South Africa are examined and enrolled by the St. John's Ambulance Association, and that a volunteer may be rejected on account of being over the standard of height, although exceptionally well qualified in every other respect for the service; and whether there is any reason why such volunteers should not be specially enlisted.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThese volunteers are examined and enrolled by the commissioner and medical officers of the brigade. A maximum height was originally arranged with the War Office at 5ft. 10in., in order to obtain bearers whose heights did not greatly vary, but the commissioner was allowed free discretion to accept suitable men although above this height.
§ SIR WALTER FOSTERIf I give the right hon. Gentleman a case in point, will he inquire into it?
§ MR. WYNDHAMYes, with pleasure; but I have said that power is given to exercise discretion.