HC Deb 01 July 1914 vol 64 c372W
Mr. AMERY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether orders have been issued by the Army Council for the discharge to pension of all warrant and noncommissioned officers of the garrison staff on completion of thirty years' service; and, if so, what is the reason for taking this course, which abrogates the conditions under which these men enlisted and which is likely to have a detrimental effect upon recruiting?

Mr. TENNANT

The rule referred to has been in force since the early part of 1913, and does not, as stated, abrogate the conditions under which men enlist. It is calculated to assist recruiting by helping the flow of promotion. There is a long list of candidates for these appointments, and I would point out that a soldier reaches his maximum pension after thirty years' service.