HC Deb 27 February 1918 vol 103 c1370
25. Colonel Sir CHARLES SEELY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as the Public School Officers' Training Corps are nearly 30,000 strong, and are of an age which would make them available in case of invasion, he will either issue rations to them or will see that the Food Controller allows thorn rations on the scale of the Army at home, so as to enable them to conduct their training?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As the boys in the Public School Officers' Training Corps are not soldiers, the Army cannot undertake to ration them. I am, however, referring the question to the Ministry of Food.

Sir C. SEELY

In so doing, will the hon. Gentleman remember that many boys of this age were sent out in the early days of the War, and many have been used in every country since?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes; I will certainly make as strong a case as possible.