§ MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)To ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state whether noncommissioned officers and men now serving in the Imperial Yeomanry are to be allowed to complete their engagements upon the terms under which they enlisted, or whether they are required to re-enlist in the Territorial Force before 1st April, 1908, failing which they are to be compelled to take a free discharge from the Imperial Yeomanry.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) With the exception of the Irish Yeomanry all desirous of continuing to serve will be required to enlist in the Territorial Force. If enrolled before 18th August, 1901, those who have not since come under the Militia and Yeomanry Act of 1901 may either serve for one year from 31st March, 1908, or sign for the full period under the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act at their option. Those serving under the Act of 1901 may elect to serve for the term required to complete their present period of engagement, re-engagement, or re-enlistment, or they may sign for the full period under the Act of 1907. Non-commissioned officers and men who do not elect to sign a new attestation by 1st July next will be given free discharges, subject to the usual conditions as to delivery of arms, clothing, etc.