§ 21. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, according to the Army List, the number of officers on the strength of Infantry service battalions is usually given at more than double the strength laid down in the manual showing the constitution of Infantry battalions; and will he say whether the supernumerary officers who are not immediately required for active service will be given the first opportunity of rejoining their own battalions when drafts are called for to meet casualties in these battalions in preference to officers in the Special Reserve battalions?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe facts mentioned are naturally within the knowledge of the Army Council, who are also alive to the consideration mentioned by the hon. Member in the last part of the question. I cannot give any pledge that supernumerary officers will go as reinforce- 2261 ments only to the units by which they have been trained, as it is impossible to starve units which have lost many officers in order to maintain intact the principle to which the hon. Member has drawn attention.