HC Deb 30 July 1919 vol 118 cc2097-8
42. Major COLFOX

asked whether any scheme is under consideration for the reconstruction of the Royal Army Chaplain's Department; and whether, in view of the recommendations contained in Sir Douglas Haig's dispatch, it is proposed to bring the Department under the control of the Adjutant-General?

Captain GUEST

A scheme for the reorganisation of the Royal Army Chaplains Department is now under consideration.

43. Major COLFOX

asked what are the conditions of service; and pension under which the appointment of Chaplain- General of the Forces is held; and how long has the present Chaplain-General held the appointment?

Captain GUEST

The Chaplain-General is appointed by the Secretary of State for War. He may retire voluntarily on retired pay on or after attaining the age of sixty, or, if promoted from the rank of chaplain, and having at least twenty years' service, he may retire before the age of sixty. The age for compulsory retirement is sixty-five. The scale of retired pay is governed by length of service. The present Chaplain-General has held the appointment since 1901. He attains the age of sixty in 1920, and not having previously served as a chaplain, he is not entitled to any retired pay if retired before that date. In 1920 he would be eligible for retired pay at £400 a year. In 1021 he would complete twenty years' service, when he would be eligible for retired pay at £600 a year, which is the maximum rate.

44. Major COLFOX

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many Church of England chaplains took part in the military procession in London on Saturday, 19th July; of these how many were Regular officers of the Royal Army Chaplains' Department; and whether the Deputy Chaplain-General, British Expeditionary Force, took part or was consulted in the choice of representatives of the Department?

Captain GUEST

Eight Church of England chaplains took part in the procession on the 19th July, 'and of these seven were Regular officers of the Royal Army Chaplains' Department. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.