§ MR. GUEST (Plymouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War how many recruits have been enlisted since 18th March, 1903, for the infantry of the line and for other arms; how many were specials or under the age of eighteen; and in how many cases a certificate of good character has been forthcoming.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordFour thousand seven hundred and nineteen recruits have been enlisted for infantry of the line between 18th March and 20th June, 1903. Two thousand one hundred and sixty-eight recruits have been enlisted for other arms. Of the latter ninety-two recruits were specially enlisted; there were no infantry specials. Since March 22nd no man has been accepted without a reference. No recruit is knowingly taken under the age of eighteen, and inquiries are made when any recruit is for physical or other reasons 920 suspected of being less than eighteen. I should mention in connection with these figures that recruiting has been temporarily suspended during this period, for the cavalry and to a large extent for other arms than infantry as the establishments are full.