§ 52. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there are a few demobilised general officers who are anxious to obtain appointments in an. official or administrative capacity in all parts of the Empire; and whether, in view of the fact that these gentlemen have in some cases risen to high rank owing to magnificent service in the War, special steps are being taken to note their names for responsible posts in the administration of Imperial or mandate territories?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that services of the nature indicated in this question are being considered by His Majesty's Government in selecting candidates for administrative appointments abroad.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are certain general officers demobilised who have not been appointed to these appointments yet?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe House knows very well that there are more suitable officers than there are appointments.
§ 54. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEasked the Prime Minister who will be the officers responsible in the near future for filling appointments in the local forces, the police constabulary, customs, preventive services, civil administrations, etc., in the new organisations required for administering territories for which this country is the mandatory of the League of Nations; and, with reference to the filling of these appointments, will special consideration be given to the services of demobilised officers from all fronts?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI regret that I am unable to add anything in answer to the first part of the question to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Stafford on the 8th of August last, but the Government will have regard to the consideration referred to in the last part of the question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the names of the persons to whom application 1906 are to be sent are widely advertised, as a good many officers do not know to whom to apply?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf it is possible to take any steps of that kind I will do so.