§ MR. ARTHUR LEEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the instructions recently issued by the Inspector General of Recruiting, still further lowering the physical standard for recruits below that hitherto allowed for specials, and to the fact that recruiting officers have been authorised to accept individuals whose height does not exceed five feet, but who, as stated in the official instructions, may be of otherwise magnificent physique; and whether any limit has been placed upon the number of these extra specials who may be enlisted under the new order.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe Commander-in-Chief and my other military advisers are in favour of taking men below the present standard of height to a limit of five feet, provided that they are bonâ fide twenty years of age, and fully up to all other standards, including weight and chest measurement. They must be properly proportioned, strong, active, intelligent, and of good character. Recruiting officers have been empowered to submit such applications for special enlistment to the Adjutant General. I have sanctioned this proposal experimentally, and no considerable number of men will be enlisted till the result has been reported on by regimental officers, and carefully considered.
§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)Is there any special merit in five feet? Why establish any standard at all?
§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)How is the bonâ fide age to be ascertained?
§ MR. BRODRICKA special inquiry will have to be made on that point in each case.
§ MR. BRODRICKYes.