HC Deb 19 August 1919 vol 119 cc2120-1
19. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary for War how many generals, and of what rank, are now employed both at home and overseads; how many general officers have been told to go on leave on half-pay without any further information as to whether their services in future are likely to be required or not; how many corps, division, brigade, lines of communication, and base staffs, either up to establishment or on a reduced establishment, are in the various Army areas at home and oversea; and if steps can be at once taken to inform officers for ho v much longer their services are likely to be required in order that they may make necessary arrangements?

Mr. FORSTER

The number of general officers employed at home and oversea is: Generals, 8; lieutenant-generals, 27; major-generals, 122; brigadier-generals, 488. The number of generals on half-pay is: Generals, 8; lieutenant-generals, 25; major-generals, 49. These officers have not yet been informed whether their services will be required or not, but they will be informed as soon as the appointments to the after-war Army have been decided. Establishments arc in process of being re- duced but it is not possible to forecast the period for which each officer's services are likely to be required. As regards the third part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, this information is being obtained, and I will write to him shortly on the subject.

Commander BELLAIRS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the generals have acting rank do they get the pay of acting rank?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think generals do get acting rank. An officer will only get the pay of acting rank if they are performing the duty.

Major GLYN

Can the staffs of the 488 brigadier-generals be allowed to be demobilised because of these 488 brigadier-generals 50 per cent. have a staff with them?

Mr. FORSTER

That question is being examined and very closely watched now, and I hope some definite conclusions may be reached within the next few days.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how 488 brigadier-generals are now being employed?

Mr. FORSTER

Obviously, I cannot do that without notice.