§ Mr. KEATINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of youths have been taken away from good schools owing to the fact that their parents are not able to keep them there under present circumstances; that many of these youths are willing and 816W anxious to join the Artists' Rifles and Inns of Courts Officers' Training Corps and find their own kit, but are not allowed to do so because they are under eighteen; that some of them join the Army as privates by misrepresenting their age; and will he consider the advisability of forming probationary companies in connection with Officers' Training Corps, so that these lads may have an opportunity of being trained as officers and be ready for service when they reach military age?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONSpecial Training Reserve battalions are being formed to receive and train youths who are under 18 years 8 months, and a special syllabus of training is to be employed. The officers commanding these battalions will be responsible that any man who has attained the age of 18½ or more, and is considered likely to become an efficient officer, is recommended for a further course of training in an officer cadet unit. The formation of probationary companies is, therefore, not considered necessary.