252.—If any person knowingly makes a false answer to any question, contained in an attestation paper, which has been put to him by or by the direction of the officer before whom he appears for the purpose of being attested in accordance with recruiting regulations, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding F378[200] pounds or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.