HC Deb 31 October 1916 vol 86 cc1519-20
45. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the causes, quite irrespective of merit, which secure rapid promotion of officers in certain units and complete stagnation of promotion in others; and whether he can give an assurance that, in the selection of candidates for the Home, Colonial, and Indian Civil Services at the end of the War, officers who through no fault of their own have failed to secure promotion will not be prejudiced in comparison with officers who by accidental circumstances have secured more rapid promotion?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can assure the hon. Member that, in the selection of candidates for nomination to the Indian and Colonial Civil Services, regard will be had exclusively to fitness for the posts to be filled, which will not necessarily depend upon military rank. It is not at present proposed to resort generally to nomination for recruiting the Home Civil Service, though military service will, of course, be recognised in this connection.

Colonel GRIFFITHS

May I ask whether these matters cannot be postponed until after the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think in nearly all cases they are postponed.

Mr. BILLING

Will that also apply to new appointments in the Cabinet?