asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now announce arrangements whereby members of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers can volunteer for short annual refresher courses; and what has been the cause of the delay in reaching a decision in this matter.

No such arrangements can be made during the present financial year. This is a matter which is kept under periodical review; there is no question of any undue delay in reaching a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War how long it now takes to accept or reject applications to join the Regular Army Reserve of Officers and the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve.

The average period is from ten days to one month according to the availability of the applicant's previous record of service. In exceptional cases decision may be delayed for as long as three months, owing to administrative difficulties in determining the applicant's suitability.