HC Deb 16 April 1918 vol 105 cc193-4
23. Major NEWMAN

asked the Under secretary of State for War if he will state, in the event of the Military Service Bill becoming an Act, what will be the position of an officer who, though of not more than fifty years of age, has, owing to reasons of health or because considered too old for work suitable to his rank, resigned his commission; and will such an officer be deemed to have been duly enlisted and be held at the disposal of the Minister for National Service?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of NATIONAL SER-VICE (Mr. Beck)

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. An officer who has ceased to hold a commission on the ground of disablement or ill-health will be entitled to the benefit of the general provisions regarding disabled soldiers which have been inserted in the first Schedule to the Military Service Bill. The position of other officers referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question is being carefully considered by the War Office and the Ministry of National Service.

Mr. BILLING

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a, number of officers, relieved on medical grounds, are being called up now, and would he say what redress they have, and to whom they have to apply?

Mr. BECK

I do not think the hon. Member is correct; perhaps he will read my reply.

24. Major NEWMAN

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware of the number of officers of not more than fifty years of ago who were either serving in or who rejoined or obtained commissions in the Army in the earlier stages of the War, and who have since, owing to their age or physical incapacity far further active service on one of the fronts, been placed on half-pay or resigned their commissions to make room for younger men; and will he say what steps are being taken in the present man-power crisis to find employment for such officers?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Whenever possible posts are found for these officers, but my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the number of such officers is large, and the number of posts for which they are suitable is very small. I think that I should state that no officers are employed at home unless they are —

  1. (a) Specially selected in view of their personal qualifications;
  2. (b) Medically unfit for service abroad;
  3. (c) Sent home from a, theatre of war for a temporary period of rest.