HC Deb 04 May 1920 vol 128 cc1866-7
14. Mr. PALMER

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether a naval officer who was lent to the Air Service in which he attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel is entitled to retain that rank and to use the designation of lieutenant-colonel after reverting to his substantive rank in the Navy?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR and AIR (Mr. Churchill)

An officer holding a regular commission in the Navy or Army is not given permission to retain his Royal Air Force rank unless he also at the same time retires from the Navy or Army. An officer who subsequently retires from the Navy, and who wishes to retain his Royal Air Force title on retirement, should apply to the Air Ministry through the Admiralty for permission to do so.

Captain W. BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Gentleman referred to in this question rendered throughout the War the most gallant services to this country?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has not His Majesty given permission to all officers who held temporary rank during the War to retain it if they so desire?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have answered the question on the paper. If there are any other questions I shall require notice in the regular way.

Mr. PALMER

Is it competent for officers who have been dismissed His Majesty's service to hold any rank in this House?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I must guard myself in questions of this kind, where precedents must be consulted and legal opinion must be obtained, and must ask for full notice in order that the cases may be properly investigated. I am certainly not competent to lay down, on the spur of the moment, the exact status of any officer.

Mr. PALMER

I will ask another question on the subject.