§ Mr. ROWNTREEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a return had been made to the old practice under which lads were not sent into the firing line until the age of nineteen; and, if so, whether instructions can be issued that those lads who, under the stress of emergency, were sent into the firing line earlier in the year shall now be withdrawn until reaching the age of nineteen?
§ Mr. L. HARDYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the promise that youths under nineteen years of age should not be sent into the firing line is still in force; and whether he is aware that in many cases these youths have been killed or wounded in spite of the undertaking of the Government that they should not be sent into the trenches?
§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of at once withdrawing lads in the firing line of 17½ years either to bases in France and Flanders or for service at home; what are the estimated numbers of these lads at present in the filing line or at advanced posts; and what steps has he taken since 7th August to ascertain whether they could be withdrawn without material effect upon the troops with whom they are serving?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs I stated in Debate on the 7th August last, it was decided that from the end of August no soldier under 19 years of age should be sent overseas, and this rule is still in force. The question of the withdrawal of those already in the firing line is for the decision of the Commander-in-Chief. Representations have already been made to him, but in view of the military situation he was unable to agree to their withdrawal. The matter is, however, still454W under his consideration, and I am sure that as soon as such a step is practicable the Field-Marshal will give instructions for these young soldiers to be withdrawn from the firing line.