HC Deb 17 May 1915 vol 71 c1976
35. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can explain how it happens that in the 17th Battalion of the Public Schools Brigade 400 men have been selected for commissions, in the 19th Battalion 200, in the 21st 120, and in the 20th only 25?

Mr. TENNANT

I imagine the hon. Gentleman is referring to the 18th Battalion. The 17th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers is not a public schools battalion. The number of commissions granted to men of the various public school battalions is necessarily regulated by the number of suitable candidates serving in each of those battalions. The numbers quoted by the hon. Member are not accurate in detail. I am not aware that the numbers forwarded to the War Office are the full numbers contemplated by the officers commanding.