Mr Ward d asked the Minister for the Army, upon notice -

1.   Is the Government, in order to boost enlistments for the Citizen Military Forces, considering reducing the age for enlistment to seventeen years?

2.   If so, is it proposed to accept these young boys without making it obligatory on their part in the first instance to secure their parents or guardians' consent?

3.   What is the present position in respect of the enlistment of minors?

Mr Cramer - The answers to the honorable member's questions are: -

1.   Approval has been given for the reduction of the lOwer age limit for voluntary enlistment into the Citizen Military Forces to seventeen years of age. Whilst it is hoped that many young men from the community in general will avail themselves of the opportunity to serve with the Citizen Military Forces earlier than they could have done previously, the measure is of particular value to those lads who, at sixteen or seventeen years, have already acquired an interest in military matters with school cadet units, and wish to continue military training as soon as possible after leaving school. 2 and 3. The policy adopted by the Government is, and has been, that the enlistment of a minor in the Citizen Military Forces will not be effected unless the parent or guardian's consent has been given.