§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can state, in the event of Reservists being recalled to the Colours to make up an expeditionary force, the Reserves, if any, that will be forthcoming for Infantry regiments serving either in India or in the Dominions oversea?
§ Colonel SEELYNo Reservists will be required in the contingency contemplated in the question for Infantry regiments serving in India or in the Dominions oversea.
§ Mr. ASHLEYHow will the drafts be provided then?
§ Colonel SEELYI scarcely think that arises out of the question. It is another matter altogether.
§ Mr. NEWMANasked the average age of the rank and file in Infantry now serving at Home who will on mobilisation be included in the six divisions of the expeditionary force; and the average age of the French and German infantry soldiers in peace and when mobilised?
§ Colonel SEELYThe average ago of the rank and file of the Foot Guards and Infantry of the Line serving at home—that is to say, who are liable for inclusion in the Six Divisions of the Expeditionary Force, exclusive of those under twenty years of age—is approximately twenty-four and a-half years. The average age of a French and German Infantry soldier in peace is approximately twenty-two; in war, that of the French active army, with its reserves, is from twenty-seven to twenty-eight; and of the German First Line Troops and reserves is from twenty-five to twenty-six.
§ Mr. NEWMANThen soldiers under twenty are excluded from the Expeditionary Force?
§ Colonel SEELYYes, Sir.