HC Deb 28 June 1909 vol 7 cc2-3
Mr. ASHLEY

I desire to ask the Secretary of State for War why second lieutenants in the Army Service Corps are not promoted to the rank of lieutenant until they have completed three years' Army service, in view of the fact that there is no qualifying period of service for promotion to lieutenant in the infantry of the line?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

A comparison cannot be made between the qualifications for promotion to lieutenant in the infantry of the line and in the Army Service Corps. The duties of an Army Service Corps officer are of such a varied and technical nature that it is not considered desirable to give promotion to lieutenants before the completion of three years' service, so that the officers may be thoroughly instructed in their technical duties before they are promoted.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Would rapid promotion not encourage these young officers?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not think that it would. It takes a certain time to complete the training.

Captain CRAIG

Is it not a fact that duties of lieutenants in the infantry are also varied and technical?

Mr. HALDANE

No, not in the same sense.

Mr. ASHLEY

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the recent mobilisation of the garrison at Gibraltar the Army Service Corps assisted the infantry in defending the fortress; and, if so, whether this was done in consequence of the inadequacy of the garrison, or whether it was proposed in future to utilise the Army Service Corps in this manner?

Mr. HALDANE

The report upon the recent mobilisation at Gibraltar does not mention that any Army Service Corps men were used as infantry.

Mr. ASHLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the officer commanding and ascertain whether that is the fact?

Mr. HALDANE

The report in regard to supply and transport is that there is nothing left to be desired.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman inform the House that no Army Service Corps were used for this purpose?

Mr. HALDANE

I did not say so. It is quite possible the general officer commanding thought it would be a good thing for these manœuvres.