§ MR. BOWERMANI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, with regard to those members of the Volunteer Force below the rank of sergeant who were serving on the 31st March last, and who may be desirous of enlisting in the Territorial Army, he can see his way to place them on the same footing as sergeants as regards the age limit for retirement, having regard to the fact that many of them have given the best part of their lives in furtherance of the Volunteer movement, and that many of them are good shots, who will be replaced, if replaced at all, by recruits.
§ MR. ACLANDThe age-limits were deliberately fixed after very careful consideration. I fully appreciate the excellent services these men have rendered, but I am afraid that age being such a very important factor in the efficiency of a man for active service, any further concession cannot be made.