HC Deb 21 March 1911 vol 23 cc221-2
Captain GILMOUR

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the names of the members of the committee which decided to substitute sergeants for sergeant-majors for the permanent staff in the Yeomanry; and if he can say what steps the committee took to ascertain the views of commanding officers of Regular Cavalry and of Yeomanry regiments before coming to their decision?

Mr. HALDANE

The names are as follows:—

  • General Sir Ian Hamilton.
  • Brevet-Colonel W. G. Carter.
  • Lieut.-Colonel A. Crawford.
  • Colonel H. Denison.
  • Lieut.-General Sir W. H. Mackinnon.
  • Brigadier-General A. J. Murray.
  • Colonel G. R. C. Paul.
  • Mr. W. P. Perry.
  • Brigadier-General H. A. Raitt.
  • Colonel the Earl of Scarborough.
  • Colonel A. T. F. Simpson.
I think it is clear from the composition of this committee that the views of the officers concerned in the matter mentioned were adequately represented.

Captain GILMOUR

Were the Yeomanry colonels consulted in the matter? It is a question Which vitally affects them.

Mr. HALDANE

There are several Yeomanry officers here, and a great many were consulted, and I am informed that the opinion of the majority of those who were consulted was very clearly in this direction.

Captain GILMOUR

Were colonels for all the regiments given some opportunity of expressing their views?

Mr. HALDANE

No; we know how benevolent people are about old-established institutions, and it would not have-done to take a census of everybody.

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

Was it the consideration of numbers which made the right hon. Gentleman come to the conclusions?

Mr. HALDANE

It was not a consideration of numbers, but a consideration of the interests of the force. It is a matter of efficiency.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman think sergeants will be more efficient than sergeant-majors?

Mr. HALDANE

Certainly some sergeants will be more efficient than some sergeant-miajors.