HC Deb 12 June 1912 vol 39 cc841-2
15. Mr. HUNT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many of the 88,000 men taken for naval and military training in the United Kingdom in 1910 were under nineteen years of age; and how many of the men taken for naval and military training in France and in Germany in 1910 were under the age of nineteen?

Mr. TENNANT

As regards France and Germany no figures can be given for the ages of those who engage voluntarily; voluntary engagement is allowed from eighteen years of age. As regards the United Kingdom, only approximate figures could be given for the numbers under nineteen years of age, and as they are desired for comparison with the figures for France and Germany, which are not available, I hope the hon. Member will not press for them.

Mr. HUNT

Surely we may really know-how many boys or men there were under nineteen years of age?

Mr. TENNANT

Only approximate figures are available.

Mr. HUNT

Well, can the hon. Gentleman give me the approximate figures if I put a question down?

Mr. TENNANT

I will endeavour to do so.