§ MR. LEAI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the Annual Report on the Army [Cd. 3365], page 105, whether he can see his way to offer pecuniary rewards to non-commissioned officers and men on their obtaining first and second class certificates of education; and whether, in view of the improvement effected in shooting by giving money rewards, he will consider whether the same effect would be achieved in the direction of better education, thus enhancing the soldiers' chances of obtaining civil employment on leaving the Army.
§ MR. HALDANEThe advantages in the matter of promotion which accrue to soldiers from the possession of first and second class certificates of education are considered to be sufficient attraction to induce men to obtain them. This view is clearly borne out by the large increase in the percentage of men in possession of certificates, as shown on page 106 of the Report. With regard to the second part of the Question, committees have been formed in the various commands with a view to arranging for the instruction of soldiers in various trades; while in Army schools, men in possession of first-class certificates are given the opportunity of studying certain subjects which are likely to be useful to them in civil life. It is hoped that the prospective advantages which these increased facilities for education offer to the soldier will foster a spirit of self-endeavour, and it is considered undesirable to introduce the artificial stimulant of a pecuniary reward.