HC Deb 26 November 1936 vol 318 c560
67. Mr. BELLENGER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the experiment of permitting men below recruiting standard to join the Army has been successful; whether these men will now revert to the ordinary Army rations; and whether he proposes to extend this experiment?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Sir Victor Warrender)

The experiment will not be completed until the end of December, but the progress of the recruits has been so successful that there is every reason to hope that 30 of the 33 men will be physically fit at the end of the three months' period. The intention is that the men should revert to the ordinary standard of ration when finally accepted as fit. The practical application of the experiment on a larger scale is under consideration.

Mr. J. GRIFFITHS

Does not the answer indicate that the condition prior to enlistment was due to the operation of the Poor Law allowances and the means test?