HC Deb 14 March 1905 vol 142 c1368
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S. )

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Brigade of Guards is short by thirty to forty of its full complement of officers; has any proposal been before the authorities to admit young officers on probation to fill up these vacancies without the usual entrance examination or military training; if so, on what reasons was that proposal based; and whether an undertaking will be given that officers shall not enter the Brigade of Guards in a manner different from the way in which other branches of the Army are entered.

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER, Belfast, W. )

The shortage of officers in the Foot Guards is forty-four. This deficiency is very serious and is receiving the careful consideration of the Army Council. I am not at present, in a position to give the hon. Member any further information on the subject.