HC Deb 23 January 1918 vol 101 cc976-7
39. Mr. TICKLER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the War Office have yet decided to reinstate Brigadier-General Elliot, as they promised to do?

Mr. MACPHERSON

T am afraid that there has so far been no opportunity.

Mr. TICKLER

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is over three months since he made the statement in this House that the War Office was considering the reinstatement of this officer?

Mr. MACPHERSON

That is quite true, and, as far as I know, of the three officers, I think two have been re-employed, but it is correspondingly difficult to get an appointment for a brigadier-general

Mr. HOUSTON

Seeing that Major Grimshaw has been reinstated, what reason is there, beyond what the hon. Gentleman said, for not reinstating General Elliot'? Was it because of the evidence he gave before the Dardanelles Commission?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No; there was no, ulterior motive, so far as the Army Council is concerned, for keeping him back from getting a brigade. The Army Council recognises that he is a very gallant officer, but it is very difficult to appoint a brigadier straight to a brigade.

Mr. HOUSTON

In the meantime is he receiving brigadier-general's pay?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot say he is. I have no doubt after the decision of the Army Council he would be placed immediately upon half-pay.

Forward to