HC Deb 12 November 1918 vol 110 cc2475-6
13. Colonel McCALMONT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, under the present system of granting honorary rank to officers on retirement, an officer who is granted temporary or acting rank for the command of troops, and who fails to hold such rank for six months owing to wounds sickness, or the arrival of a senior officer, will not receive such honorary rank on retirement, whereas officers granted rank for non-fighting services run no such risks of losing it; and whether he will state the grounds upon which this discrimination is shown against the fighting officer?

Mr. MACPHERSON

There is no discrimination in this matter. No officer loses his temporary or acting rank when sick or wounded, but any officer relinquishes his acting rank when the permanent holder of the appointment returns.

Colonel McCALMONT

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the order under which officers who fall sick or are wounded retain their acting rank is a comparatively recent issue, and that many hundreds did lose their rank at the beginning of the War owing to being wounded or falling sick? Is there not therefore a distinct favour shown to those who did not undergo those hardships of war?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not think so. I think that a Committee investigated the matter.

Colonel McCALMONT

What Committee?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not know. I will make inquiries and inform my hon. and gallant friend.