76. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Secretary of State for War the number of major-generals on the active list of the Army on 4th August, 1914, 11th November, 1918, and at the present time?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe numbers of major-generals on the active list on the dates mentioned were: 4th August, 1914, 86; 11th November, 1918, 172; 4th November, 1919, 167.
§ Mr. FORSTERI hope there is an early prospect of material reductions.
§ Mr. FORSTERAfter a time I think they would if they remained in the service, but they will not be paid as such for the rest of their lives.
77. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state how many major-generals on the active list are now unemployed, and how many officers of lower substantive rank are now holding temporary or acting rank as major-general with the corresponding pay?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe number of major-generals on the active list who are now unemployed is sixty-six. The number of officers holding the temporary rank of major-general is thirteen. Only nine of these thirteen are paid as major-general's posts and five only would necessarily be filled by officers of major-general's rank with pay as such if the present occupants were succeeded.
§ Mr. FORSTERI think it is more a question of not sufficient posts to go round.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIf these posts are given to officers of lower rank surely those major-generals already on the list should get priority?
78. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of brigadier-generals on the 4th August, 1914, the 11th November, 1918, and at the present time?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe numbers of brigadier-generals on the dates mentioned were: 4th August, 1914, 67; 11th November, 1918, 794; 4th November, 1919, 374.
§ Mr. FORSTERYes. As the Army is reduced so will the officers in the higher grades.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSHas not the Army been reduced in far larger proportion than these highly-paid officers, who have been only reduced by one-half since the War came to an end?
§ Earl WINTERTONCan the right non Gentleman explain why it is that the Army has been reduced in a much greater degree than brigadier-generals and why are they only reduced one-half?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy Noble Friend knows quite well there is an infinite amount of work going on all over the world that has to be done by officers.