HC Deb 16 March 1920 vol 126 cc2000-1
25. Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Captain Manley Angell James, V.C, M.C., is a candidate for a commission in the Regular Army, and that this officer is only 23 years of age and was three times wounded; and whether, in view of this officer's exceptional service, a vacancy may be made for him and one correspondingly less vacancy allotted in the next Sandhurst examination?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)

I will ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to postpone this question so that the matter may receive fuller consideration. Primâ facie, I should say that with these qualifications the officer in question should have a very good chance of being included.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when a decision may be reached, and is he aware that a considerable number of officers are refusing permanent employment in the hope that they eventually will be given a commission?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I will do my utmost to expedite the decision. I certainly think it should be given within a month of the present time.