§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office would approve, and give encouragement to, the raising of a company of first-class shots of men over the maximum age to be attached to a battalion at the front; and whether, if the experiment proved satisfactory, they would authorise the raising of such companies generally in the country?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe standard of age is now being raised as high as experience gained during the War allows. It is found that men whose age is above the standard cannot successfully stand the strain of active service in the ranks. All first-class shots fulfilling military requirements are welcomed in the ranks, and steps will be taken to keep these together as far as possible if they wish.