Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked whether an order has been issued to recruiting officers that all men are to be accepted for service except those in categories C 3 and B 3?
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§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer is in the negative.
§ Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War how many men classed as C 2 are now under canvas and what is the proportion admitted to hospital from these men compared with those from billets and hutments; and whether, with a view to conserving the man-power of the nation, he will take steps to house these soldiers rather than to keep them under canvas in November?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid that I am not in a position to give detailed figures, but I may say the intention is to withdraw troops from canvas as quickly as circumstances admit and that this is being done.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked whether any order has been issued exempting from military service special constables who are over thirty-five years of age and married and who have been placed in Categories C 1, C 2, and C 3?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir; the present position is as stated, subject to a man continuing to carry out his duties satisfactorily; but as from 1st January next the exemptions from being called up will be withdrawn as respects men medically classified in C 1.