§ 1. Mr. FELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of men of military and non-military age, respectively, belonging to the Anti-Aircraft Corps, exclusive of Reserves, at its first formation, on 31st March last, and subsequent to the recontruction of 1st April?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)At the first formation of the Anti-Aircraft Corps there were 100 special constables, no record of whose ages can be found. Up to the 31st March, 1915, 45 per cent. were of non-military age and 55 per cent. of military age, a large proportion of those of military age coming from His Majesty's Office of Works and other Government Departmets, who could not release them for more active service. After the reconstruction, 1st April, 46 per cent. were of non-military age and 54 per cent. of military age. Large numbers of those of military age are medically unfit for more active service. It is pointed out that 100 discharges have been granted to officers and men to join more combatant units of His Majesty's Forces since the Corps first started in November last, and that over 200 of those in the corps have served or are serving abroad with the various antiaircraft detachments. Any member of the corps who wishes to join a more combatant unit is at once released for this purpose.
§ Mr. FELLMay I ask if all the members of this corps are duly enrolled and liable to military discipline?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should like notice of that question.