HC Deb 23 March 1905 vol 143 c943
SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the nature of references as to character required for men joining the Army, Militia, and Volunteers respectively.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) In the case of candidates for enlistment in the Regulars and Militia, the following questions are put to the person given as a reference:—1. In what capacity have you known——? 2. How long have you known him? 3. What time has elapsed since you last saw him to speak to? 4. What do you know of his character—Is he sober? Honest? Respectable? 5. Has he to your knowledge served in the Army, Navy, Royal Marines, Militia, Imperial Yeomanry, or Volunteers? If so, please state which. 6. Is he married or single? If a widower, state number of children, if any. As regards Volunteers, there is no provision with respect to character.