§ 69 Mr. SHORTasked (1) whether the appointment of military men as divisional food officers is due to the decision of the Cabinet and has any relation to possible or probable industrial disputes; (2) the number and names of military men who have been appointed divisional officers; and how many are still members of His Majesty's forces.
§ Mr. McCURDYThere is no foundation for the suggestion made by the hon. Member with reference to the appointment of Divisional Food Commissioners under the Ministry of Food. Four of the twelve Divisional Food Commissioners have in the past belonged to His Majesty's Forces but none of them is at present on the active list. Their' names are as follow:—
Lieut.-General Sir Francis Lloyd, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., D.S.O.
Major-General Sir R. A. Kerr-Montgomery, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.
Lieut.-Colonel C. D. Seymour.
Colonel Sir H. A. Rose, D.S.O.
I may add that it is extremely difficult in the present circumstances to secure the 221 services of suitable officers for these appointments, which are made after the most careful investigation, no preference being given to military candidates.