asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the average weekly number of commissions granted during the last three months; and what is the total staff, military and civilian, of the Department which deals with the granting of commissions?

The answer to the first part of the Question is 740. Selection of candidates for commissions is, of course, the concern of many separate branches in the War Office among many other duties, according to the arm of the service and the source from which the candidate comes, but the staff dealing with the actual process of first appointments to commissions consists of three officers, 11 civilian clerks and one civilian typist.

Do I understand that that represents the total number of inhabitants in Hobart House?

No, Sir. If my hon. Friend reads my answer he will see I said that there are a great many other branches which, in one way or another, deal with the granting of commissions.

Is the Minister satisfied that all these commissions are granted on merit?

Certainly, my endeavours are to see that they are, and every step is taken to make certain that they are only so granted.

Are the three officers mentioned the officers who post new officers to the different regiments?

No, Sir.

Are professional footballers and professional cricketers who have been made officers given their commissions on merit?

Even professional footballers and cricketers may have merits.