40. Sir F. HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State -for War whether he will favourably consider the granting of com missions, on the same lines as to Volunteers, to men who were precluded from joining the Colours, but who have served in the special constabulary, and who, in many cases, through their consistent good work, have been promoted to sergeants, inspectors, and other higher ranks; and whether steps can be taken to enable such men to join Training Corps, so that they may not be handicapped in consequence of their being members of the special constabulary instead of the Volunteer Force?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid that the special facilities granted to officers of the Volunteer Force cannot be extended to members of the special constabulary. Such men should make application to join an Officers' Training Corps in the usual way.
Sir F. HALLDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it presses rather hardly upon those men who were too old 1221 originally to join the Colours and gave their services to the special constabulary; cannot something be done to facilitate their being able to obtain commissions the same as the Volunteers?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have every possible sympathy with the special constabulary, but their case is quite different from the officers of Volunteers, who have for nearly four years worked hard in their spare time to become efficient soldiers. The special constables have no such training. We had great difficulty in finding accommodation so as to enable us to send them to Cadet battalions. We could only say we would send a few to Cadet battalions and the officers to Officers' Training Corps.
Sir F. HALLIf facilities can be granted, will the right hon. Gentleman do anything he can to assist members of the constabulary?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMost certainly, if there are vacancies, but I. am afraid there are none.