37. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many retired-pay officers have commands at home and whether they draw their retired pay in addition to their salary; how many officers on the active list on half-pay are waiting for employment; and by what method of selection retired-pay officers are preferred to officers on half-pay.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe policy is to provide for officers on the active list in preference to those on the retired list, and a large number of retired officers have been relegated to unemployment to make room for officers who are still serving. I am afraid that there are no statistics available of the kind desired by my hon. Friend, and the compilation of a return would take up too much time in the present pressure of work.
Mr. PONSONBYIs my hon. Friend aware that a number of officers on half-pay are anxious for employment, and have been passed over for no apparent reason?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware of that fact, but I believe it is the case that some officers are waiting for employment; but it is first necessary to meet the needs of the Service.