§ 17. Sir Reginald Blairasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the regulation that no soldier will be eligible for a commission until he attains the age of 20 years, he will permit university candidates already recommended for commission now serving in the ranks to complete their studies before reaching the age of 20, provided that their military training is continued in the Officers Training Corps of their university?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThere is not, at present, any regulation in force prescribing a minimum age for appointment to a commission, though it is not proposed, in practice, to appoint a candidate while below the age of 18¾. Subject to this, and to requirements from time to time, soldiers who are recommended will be given commissions as soon as they are considered to be fully qualified. Part-time service in the Officers Training Corps would not be a satisfactory equivalent for training in an Army unit.