§ 66. Sir ARTHUR MARKHAMasked the Under-Seretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the case of the London Scottish two gentlemen were recommended last December for permanent commissions by their late commanding officer, Colonel Malcolm, and by their brigadier, General Lowther; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding these recommendations, general headquarters recently stated in writing that there was a ruling of the War Office that no permanent commissions could be granted unless the applicants had been at a public school or had passed through Woolwich or Sandhurst; whether Sir John French has no power to grant a permanent commission to a Territorial; and whether he will take steps to see these disabilities on Territorials are removed?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, I am not aware of any of the matters referred to in the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question. Territorial officers are not debarred from receiving permanent commissions. The conditions under which they may normally obtain such commissions are laid down in an Army Order issued last September, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy. Permanent commissions are also given on the recommendation of the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief for services in the field. My hon. Friend will be relieved to see that there are no disabilities of this kind upon Territorial soldiers which require removal.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIf I send my right hon. Friend the letter from general headquarters, will he instruct general headquarters that the order issued by the War Office is incorrect?
§ Mr. TENNANTI shall be very glad to consider the hon. Member's suggestion.