MAJOR RASCII (Essex, Chelmsford)beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the special recruit class has been abolished for the Regular Forces; and, if so, whether any minimum standard of height and chest measurement remains.
§ MR. BRODRICKNo recruit has, since 1st April, been accepted unless he fulfilled certain conditions of chest measurement and chest expansion. As regards height, there is a minimum and a maximum standard, which vary according to the arm of the service, but the Adjutant-General has power to approve desirable recruits who do not fulfil the conditions of height. The percentage of Specials last year, which was about thirty-three, has dropped to about twelve since the 1st April.
§ MAJOR RASCHWhat is the minimum height and chest measurement?
§ MR. BRODRICKI cannot say off hand.