§ 18. Mr. STEWARTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will explain what is meant by the expression that an officer may under circumstances disappear; if an officer disappears is another officer appointed to replace him temporarily, and does the disappearing officer lose any seniority during his temporary disappearance; what scale of pay does he draw during the time of his disappearance; and is he ordered to leave his address with the War Office during the period of his disappearance?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The instructions given were that in the exceptional cases referred to the officers might be allowed to remain on leave or with the details. The ordinary conditions as to pay and seniority would therefore apply.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWill this new status be embodied in a new Army Order?
§ Mr. McKENNANo new status is created.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWho was the originator of the term "disappear" in this connection?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am quite unable to say.
§ 22. Mr. HICKS BEACHasked whether orders under the Official Secrets Act were issued to all or any of the Reserve officers of the Army during the first fortnight in March; and for what purpose were the orders issued?
§ Mr. McKENNANo orders were issued other than the ordinary routine orders given to officers in the Reserve.
§ Mr. HICKS BEACHIs it not the fact that many of those officers received orders 1785 to report themselves on receipt of a telegram, and some of them were ordered to be prepared to take on such duties as embarkation officer, and mobilisation of Reserve?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; no orders were given of any exceptional kind whatever. The orders that were given were in the ordinary way of routine service.