HC Deb 30 July 1918 vol 109 cc222-3
14. Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will state how many civilians have been appointed to the Artists' Rifles Officers' Training Corps or the Inns of Courts Officers' Training Corps in answer to the advertisement recently appearing in the Irish newspapers for candidates to qualify for commissions?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I regret that these particulars are not available, and to obtain them would throw an undue amount of labour upon an already over-worked Department. In these circumstances, I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will not press for the information.

Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

Do I understand from that answer that the qualification for a cadet has been withdrawn, and that no cadet is sent to a training battalion unless he has been to the front?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not think so at all. I do not think that point arises out of the hon. and gallant Member's question, but I think the understanding is clearly, first, that preference will be given to a N.C.O. who has served in France, but exceptional circumstances do arise where a man need not be a N.C.O. or need not have served in France, and in those exceptional circumstances the man may be considered for an Officers' Training Corps.

Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision of a short time ago in reply to a previous question, and also a letter I wrote on the 10th July, to which I have not received any reply?

General McCALMONT

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that advertisements are appearing in the Irish papers to the effect that cadets can join without previous service, to the detriment of those who have already had to go into the ranks?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am aware that one or two advertisements, which my hon. and gallant Friend was good enough to send me, did appear in the Irish papers, but, I understand, without definite War Office authority. I understand these advertisements are not now given.

General McCALMONT

I read one yesterday in an Irish paper.

Mr. MACPHERSON

I will look into it.

Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

By whose authority were they inserted?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have already said that, so far as I can find out, there was no definite authority.

Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are withdrawn, as inflicting a great hardship—

Mr. SPEAKER

We are getting a very long way from the question on the Paper.