§ 28. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in the Royal Flying Corpus experienced flying officers are rapidly raised to the rank of general; and whether corresponding promotion is made possible to those officers who have been pioneers in the Royal Naval Air Service?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I understand that the officers of the Royal Flying Corps who have been promoted to the rank of general are all officers whose regimental seniority is such as to qualify them for this promotion in their own arm of the Service. None of the pioneers in the Naval Air Service are of such seniority as to justify their promotion to flag rank.
§ 6. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, on several occasions during the last few months, young flying officers with no knowledge of war have been sent out to the front and appointed flight commanders over the heads of men who are experienced flyers; and, if so, what is the justification for this course?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir; I know of no case which can be described exactly in the terms chosen by the hon. Member. He will, however, of course, be aware that promotion to the rank of flight commander is entirely by selection, and there is a possibility, in the case of promotions made amongst officers serving in the Expeditionary Force, of the promotion of junior officers over the heads of officers more senior in the Army. The justification 794 would be the ability of the officer promoted. I think the hon. Member will see that, in regard to flying, seniority is not the first consideration to be taken into account.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSI quite agree; but this question does not relate to officers who have been to the front with the Expeditionary Force, but to officers promoted from here to flight commander-ships?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not say that is an impossibility, but skill ought to be the first consideration.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSI agree.
§ Mr. TENNANTAnd it is.