HC Deb 13 April 1920 vol 127 cc1592-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Earlier in the day I handed in an Amendment to leave out this Clause. Its object is to do away with the ancient rank of brigadier-general in the British Army and to introduce a new rank—that of colonel-commandant. I submit that before we pass this Clause the suggestion wants considering rather carefully. The title of brigadier-general is a very ancient and honourable one in the Army. I am not an Army officer, but some of my forebears did so serve. I think it would be very unfortunate to abolish the title in favour of the new-fangled title of colonel-commandant. I do not know whether there is any object of economy underlying the proposal; if so, there may be something in it. I speak with diffidence in the presence of hon. Members who hold Army rank, and I do not wish to lay down the law in matters such as this, but I do think that ordinary officers would prefer to be called brigadiers to bearing the title of colonel-commandant. They would rather keep to the old designation. Perhaps the right hon. Baronet in charge of the Estimates will explain why it is proposed to bring about this change in title.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I think the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension as to the object of this Clause. It makes no change such as he suggests. It only renders it possible for certain Sections of the Army (Annual) Act to be administered by a colonel-commandant where such an individual exists. It does not really abolish the rank of brigadier-general. It only enables the colonel-commandant to do certain things which the brigadier-general is now empowered to do. The question of the abolition of the rank of brigadier-general hardly arises on this Bill. I can imagine there are reasons which will occur to all of us why a change should be made. One is the very large number of generals now on the establishment. When the brigadier-generals are added to the total, all calling themselves generals, the number is very considerable, and this possibly may have had some influence in bringing about the suggested change. But it has not yet been made, and this Clause merely renders it possible even when such a change is made for the colonel-commandant to exercise the powers now given to the brigadier-general.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Before the change is made, and as I understand we cannot, discuss the point now, shall we have an opportunity of discussing the full reasons for making it? I presume it will be possible to debate the matter on the Army Estimates.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I am afraid I cannot promise that a specific opportunity shall be created for such a discussion, but this is a matter affecting the general administration of the Army, and the hon. and gallant Member will have the usual opportunity of raising the question when Army business is before the House.

Clauses 5 to 22 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill.