§ * GENERAL LAURIEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the ages of the recruits enrolled since the nine years enlistment for colour service came into operation; and whether these ages are only taken by statement of the recruit or by report of the medical officer.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe ages of the recruits mentioned were as follows for those taken up to 31st March, 1905:—
The ages of recruits are those given by them on the attestation papers. If the medical officer thinks the age manifestly incorrect, it is for the approving officer to elicit the correct age.
Under 18 59 18 to 19 6,185 19 to 20 2,070 20 to 21 1,044 21 to 22 636 22 to 23 430 23 to 24 345 24 to 25 296 Over 25 44.
§ GENERAL LAURIEDoes that include the ages of recruits enlisted in the garrison battalions?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThere have been none enlisted.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)How many recruits were under seventeen years of age?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI cannot say, but they are included with those, under eighteen.