§ 39. Major HUNTasked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why, in view of the fact that Lord Hastings was only a temporary major and has had no war service, and refused to sign on for foreign service, he has been put in command of the 2nd Norfolk Yeomanry Regiment over the heads of four senior permanent majors who have all been on active service and one of whom was mentioned in dispatches in the Boer War, was second in command of the 1st Norfolk Yeomanry in Gallipoli, and was recommended by the Norfolk County Association for the command of the 2nd Norfolk Yeomanry, and if he will say whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is not usual nor desirable to canvass the qualifications or disqualifications of particular officers for particular appointments by means of question and answer. I may say, however, that the appointment made in this case was approved after the Field-Marshal Commanding the Home Forces had consulted the Divisional Commander as to what was best in the public interest.
§ Major HUNTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very strong feeling against it in the regiment, both among officers and men, and it looks like a very bad job indeed?
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the hon. Gentleman say why the four senior majors were passed over?