HC Deb 12 January 1916 vol 77 cc1586-7
15. Colonel M'CALMONT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will state the grounds upon which Reservists are not permitted to re-engage beyond the period for which they originally enlisted; whether he is aware that the Army has lost and is losing many valuable warrant and non-commissioned officers under this ruling whose services are needed; and whether this question will receive immediate reconsideration?

Mr. TENNANT

Time-expired non-commissioned officers and men are given every encouragement to continue in the Army for the duration of the War, and the question of allowing men, who are about to become time-expired, to re-engage in order that they may serve on for pension is quite distinct and raises important considerations. I gather, however, that the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, primarily, the needs of the Army during the present War. This point is met, as I have already explained.

Colonel M'CALMONT

May I ask whether the point has been met in the case of warrant and non-commissioned officers who will not stay to extend their service for the period of the War, because they have no prospects, and who would stay if they were given the prospect of a pension? That would appeal to them much more than going back to find em- ployment taken up by other people. May I ask if he will give this question further consideration?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, that point has been constantly engaging the attention of the military authorities. As the hon. and gallant Gentleman must realise, it is not possible for the Army to allow every man who desires to serve on for a pension to do so. They must choose those who are best qualified and those who would be of the greatest asset to the State.

Colonel M'CALMONT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they do not choose and do not allow any man but have made arbitrary rules which prevent a single individual extending his service?

Mr. TENNANT

I am not aware that is quite so hard and fast a rule as the hon. and gallant Gentleman leads the House to suppose. No doubt rules have to be laid down. It may be that those very rules are operating to prevent men who might be desirable serving on. He must realise it is really a difficult question.

Lord CLAUD HAMILTON

I sent the right hon. Gentleman a specific ease dealing with a man who had been declined under the circumstances mentioned. The right hon. Gentleman promised to let me have a reply, but I have not received any.

Mr. TENNANT

I offer the Noble Lord an apology for not having dealt with the subject of that particular letter. I confess it comes as a surprise and a shock to me to learn that he has not received an answer, and, if I may say so, that is rather an exception.