§ 19. Sir R. PRICEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some commanding officers refuse to allow applications for commissions to go forward from non-commissioned officers and men under their command; and whether, considering the need of good and experienced commissioned officers, the War Office will direct commanding officers to facilitate applications by really well-qualified men?
§ Mr. TENNANTThis matter has engaged the continuous attention of the Department, and the desire expressed by my hon. Friend is fully recognised. I may state that all commanding officers have instructions to facilitate the applications of suitable candidates for commissions, provided the efficiency of the unit is not impaired by the withdrawal from its ranks of a large number of non-commissioned officers and men at one time.
§ Mr. WATTIs it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to get commanding officers to send him a list of the number of refusals?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am not at all sure that we would not be able to compile a list ourselves without asking the command-officers, but I do not know what object would be gained.