§ 14. Mr. HUNTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware 841 of the resentment felt in the Army by soldiers who enlisted before the new regulation was enacted which prevents more than 10 per cent. re-engaging; and whether he could see his way to alter the regulations so that the men who enlisted before the regulation was made shall be excepted from it?
§ Mr. TENNANTThere is no new regulation on this matter. A circular letter dated 25th January, 1907, pointed out to commanding officers the desirability in the interests of the Service generally of restricting re-engagements amongst rank and file to 10 per cent. of their numbers. Paragraph 264 of the King's Regulations lays down that in the case of soldiers below the rank of sergeant permission to re-engage can be given at the discretion of the commanding officer.
§ Mr. HUNTIs there no difference in the Regulations? Is it not a fact that soldiers are now prevented serving on if they want to if there are over 10 per cent. of applications?
§ Mr. TENNANTI imagine that depends upon each individual case. What I stated was that in the case of soldiers below the rank of sergeant permission to re-engage could be given at the discretion of the commanding officer.
§ Mr. HUNTYes, but are we to understand that the War Office distinctly told commanding officers that they are not as a rule to give it?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo; the regulation is not new.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWas this regulation to prevent re-engagement issued in 1907 with a view to limiting as far as possible the Service pensions?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think so. Though I was not at the War Office at the time, the policy was adopted in order that we might have larger Reserves.