§ 35. Sir P. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for War why men can only enlist for a fixed period and not for the duration of the war only; and whether he will consider relaxing this restriction at an early date so that use can be made of the services of men anxious to serve their country before they are conscripted?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe present situation is that tradesmen between the ages of 20 and 38 are allowed to enlist on a normal service engagement, or for the period of embodiment as they wish. Other classes are being called up, as the House 1805 is aware, by age-groups for the period of embodiment in accordance with our requirements. These opportunities may at a later stage be varied.
§ Sir P. HarrisDoes that mean that if a man wants to join the Army and his age-group has not been called up, he can only join for seven years? Cannot he join for the period of the war?
§ Sir V. WarrenderA man under the age group —
§ Sir P. HarrisOver.
§ Sir V. WarrenderA man under the age-group cannot enlist even on the normal engagement. A man over the age-group who volunteers and is a tradesman can be enlisted for the period of embodiment.