SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can inform the House what is the standard height, weight, and chest measurement of recruits for infantry of the Line and of the Volunteer force at the present time; what allowances are made in respect of those standards in the case of lads likely to come up thereto after twelve months physical exercises; and if the medical officers now making inspection of the recruits in the London Volunteer Force will be so instructed, and the reports of their examinations published.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe standards are fully given in the Recruiting Regulations and Volunteer Begulations as amended by Army Orders from time to time. As regards the Begulars, the chest measurement is strictly adhered to, departures from the limits as regards height and age are only permitted in special cases on the authority of the Adjutant-General. There is no standard weight, the figures being given only as a guide. As regards Volunteers the standard is fixed at a scale from which it is not desirable to authorise any departure.
§ MR. McCRAE (Edinburgh, E.)Is it the case, as stated in the Press, that the War Office is declaring that all Volunteers under nineteen years of age are unfit for service? I know that is not true, but it is well the report should be officially contradicted.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIt is not rue.
§ MR. SPEAKERIt is not usual to quote statements in the Press and found a Question on them.
§ * MR. MCCRAEWill the right hon-Gentleman publish the new regulations on the subject?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThere are none.