§ 58. Sir JAMES SPEARasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that dissatisfaction is felt by many of the rank and file of the Army from the fact that after serving the twelve years many are not allowed to rejoin in order to complete the twenty-one years and secure a pension; and whether, seeing that, as only 10 per cent. are allowed to rejoin, and men who have an absolutely clean sheet as to character are compelled to seek civil employment, which often they cannot obtain, he will consider the desirability of arranging to retain some of these men, instead of enlisting so many recruits who are badly wanted in rural districts?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is found that on the average the existing 10 per cent. limit allows opportunities for all men to reengage who desire to do so; in the majority of corps the number of rank and file coming forward does not approach 10 per cent.