HC Deb 11 April 1918 vol 104 cc1667-8W
Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can state the military service age in France and Italy?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The military service age in France is normally twenty to forty-eight years of age. On 29th March, 1918, Parliamentary sanction was obtained for calling up the 1919 class—i.e., those who attain the age of nineteen during this year. Men who were called up at the age of forty-eight in 1914 have not yet been released, so that some men of fifty-two are still serving. The military service age in Italy is normally twenty to thirty-nine years of age. It has now been extended, and covers the period between eighteen and forty-four years of age.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Undersecretary of State for War at what age French soldiers become available for service at the front?

Mr. MACPHERSON

French soldiers who attain the age of nineteen during the present year may now be sent to the front, if required. The training of the 1919 class is, however, not yet completed.