§ 1. Brigadier-General NATIONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that 52 per cent. of the total number of persons presenting themselves as recruits for the Army this year were rejected on physical and medical reasons, he will give more consideration to the encouragement of cadet units, both as regards numbers and their attendance at the annual summer camps?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)If my hon. and gallant Friend can suggest any further means of encouraging the cadet movement which do not involve expense to Army funds, they will be favourably considered.
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLCan the Financial Secretary say whether the figure 52 per cent. given in the question is the normal figure for rejections on grounds of physique or whether it is abnormally high this year?
§ Mr. COOPERAs I have indicated in replies to similar questions, no deduction can be made from any figures of this kind as the standard is increased from time to time—it was increased this year—in regard to height and chest measurements, and, if the rejections are higher, it does 1084 not show any deterioration in the strength or health of the people.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not because the parents of these young men have not the wherewithal to buy the necessaries of life that 52 per cent. do not come up to the necessary standard? We are a 3C nation now.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENCan the hon. Member say whether the same figures apply to the Territorial Army?
§ Mr. COOPERI cannot say.