30. Captain LOSE BYasked the Secretary of State for War if he contemplates in the near future any reform whereby promotion from the ranks of the Army to commissioned rank is facilitated and accelerated?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe matter is receiving careful consideration, and schemes are being prepared. I would, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that at the present time there is an excess of Regular officers, so that the number of vacancies to be filled through this channel must, at the outset, be somewhat limited.
§ Captain LOSEBYMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to consider a Memorandum prepared by the party of which I am a member, and will he receive a deputation on this subject?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI shall be very glad to receive the Memorandum, and, having studied it, I will inform my hon. Friend whether there will be any immediate advantage in receiving a deputation.
§ 31. Captain LOSEBYasked the Secretary of State for War if he contemplates in the near future any material reform in the method of Army promotion, and more particularly of the regimental system of promotion by seniority rather than by merit?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am afraid I can add nothing to the reply which was given to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member on the 20th May last, explaining the present system of promotion, which it is not considered advisable to change.
§ Major NALLIs the right hon. Gentle man aware that there is a considerable number of officers who have been reported on adversely and sent home from overseas and who are still in the Army blocking promotion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere may be some cases, and I certainly consider that they deserve to be reconsidered by the Board of Selection, but at the present time there is great pressure on behalf of officers of most distinguished record in the front line who, owing to not receiving permanent 1608 commissions, are being forced, in many cases much against their will, to return to civil life.
§ Major NALLWill they be considered solely on war records, and not on any new records which they have created at home?
Colonel L. WARDIs it not the fact that promotion by merit in peace time usually leads in the long run to promotion by influence?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that could be better discussed on the Vote than by question and answer. I think it will be found in the long run that a system of promotion by seniority, tempered by rejection in individual cases, must form the basis of a Regular Army in times of peace.