§ 53. Mr. Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider raising the present age limit for initial entry into the commissioned ranks of the Territorial Army so as to offer opportunities for large numbers not now eligible because of present age restrictions?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)The age limits for appointment in the lowest commissioned rank in the Territorial Army are 18 to 31. It is not, however, the practice of the War Office to reject a candidate solely on account of age, and nominations of candidates over the age of 31 are carefully considered on their merits, especially in the case of antiaircraft and coast defence units. Nominations rest with the officer commanding the unit and the Territorial association concerned, and now that the supply of candidates is increasing, the natural tendency is to take the younger man, when there is any opportunity of choice.