§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for War whether the granting of commissions from the ranks depends in any way upon the possession of private means; and why some recent applicants from the ranks have been asked questions as to their means?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe granting of commissions from the ranks does not depend in any way upon the possession of private means, the sole qualification being the merit of the individual. No instructions have been given for inquiry into the private means of individuals recommended for commissions, and any inquiries of this nature which may have been made are 2141W unofficial, and have no bearing on whether or not the candidate receives a commission.