§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why time-expired men who have served during the 1843W South African War and in France, and left the Service with very good characters and have since been recalled, are put in a recruits company and have to do primary foot drill; is he aware that those men, being trained soldiers and taking a natural pride in their efficiency, dislike this treatment; and will he see whether more consideration can be shown to their feelings in this regard?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThere have been radical changes in elementary drill since the South African War, and there are constant improvements, in which it is necessary to perfect those who have served in the Expeditionary Force. It is desirable, therefore, that all men should perform some elementary drill; the time spent at it depends much on the aptitude of the individual, and the necessity of accelerating the training of men showing special aptitude has been impressed on those responsible.