§ 81. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the abolition of the qualification for recruitment to the War Department Constabulary, that applicants should not be below the rank of war substantive sergeant in the Regular Army, so as to enable suitable applicants of all ranks to be considered.
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir, except for Regular soldiers of the Corps of Military Police, in whose case the rank of corporal is regarded as qualifying.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the Minister aware that there are many excellent men who did not attain the rank of war substantive sergeant in the Regular Army, but who could adequately fill these posts and should have some preference in recruitment?
§ Mr. LawsonI am told that in actual practice and from experience it has been found that the rank qualification is an almost essential preliminary test in these matters.