§ 20. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the policy of his Department to restrict the number of serving soldiers who are permitted to re-engage for pensions; and, if so, whether, in view of the condition of employment at the present time, he will consider extending the opportunities for re-engagement?
§ Mr. SHAWSoldiers are normally enlisted for 12 years of which generally only six or seven are with the Colours 1758 and the remainder with the Reserve. The numbers to whom the privilege of extending their colour service to 12 years is granted are necessarily regulated by Service requirements, as for example, the need to build up adequate reserves. Soldiers who have been permitted to extend their Colour service to 12 years are, generally speaking, allowed to reengage to complete 21 years service for pension.