§ Mr. HODGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain retired officers called up for duty at regimental depots whose age did not permit them to go to the front received an allowance of £100 to cover the expenses of uniform and kit; and whether, seeing that the expenses of uniform and kit of officers similarly called up for recruiting service are equally great, he will explain why an allowance of £20 only was made in these cases?
Mr. BAKERThe officers referred to in the first part of the question were called up for general service as regimental officers in war, and received the rate of outfit allowance authorised for such. There is no exemption in these cases on the ground of age. The needs of recruiting officers are limited, and the allowance laid down is sufficient to meet their case.