§ Mr. KELLAWAYasked what proportion the 264 commissions from the ranks during the past five years bears to the total number of commissions during that period?
§ Mr. HALDANEThere were 3,249 commissions granted during the last five years—giving a proportion of about one in twelve for commissions from the ranks.
§ Mr. WATTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the percentage has risen since 1906, when he came into office?
§ Mr. HALDANEI cannot say; I think it is very much about the same.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHHas there not been an outcry in the Army as to there not being sufficient commissions from the ranks?
§ Mr. HALDANENo, there has been absolutely no outcry. The difficulty is to get men who are qualified to take commissions.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWould not a man be liable to court-martial if he made any complaint that he was not getting proper promotion?
§ Mr. HALDANENot in the least. If he is properly recommended his name is put forward.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDBut if he complains of neglect is he not liable to court-martial?
§ Mr. HALDANENo, not in the least.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman say who recommends him?
§ Mr. HALDANEHe is recommended by his Commanding Officer. How could he be recommended otherwise?