§ 65. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that there are 12 civilians now employed as secretaries to Territorial Associations, he can see his way to ensure that this military work shall be done by officers who have military experience; and whether, in view of the recommendation in the Report of the Ex-Ranker Officers' Committee that the Government should make a special appeal to employers of labour on behalf of unemployed Army pensioned ranker officers, he will recommend to the chairmen of Territorial Associations that suitable Army pensioned ranker officers shall have preference for such work?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Lawson)I recognise that the secretaryship of a Territorial Army Association, though classified as a civilian appointment, is eminently suitable for a retired officer, but I cannot press Associations to terminate prematurely the appointments of those secretaries who had no previous service in the Regular or Territorial Armies, or to appoint, as vacancies occur, any particular class of officer in preference to others who may be equally qualified and deserving. I have no doubt that Associations already give due consideration to the claims of any ex-officers promoted from the ranks who apply to them.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWill the hon. Gentleman undertake that when in future vacancies occur civilians shall not be appointed to these military jobs until the claims of ex-service men have been carefully considered?
§ Mr. CLIMIEIf a private is found suitable; will he be given the job, or will he be deprived of the opportunity?
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not a fact that some of these so-called civilians have, in fact, been privates in the Army?
§ Mr. LAWSONAll I can do is to draw my right hon. Friend's attention to these recommendations. Rut, speaking for myself, I should say that most of these people have had military experience.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat sort of example is this to show to private employers in employing ex-service men, when no pressure can be bi ought by the War Office on these Territorial Associations?
§ Major HORE-BELISHADoes the Financial Secretary associate himself with the Report of the Commission on Ranker Ex-Officers?
§ Mr. LAWSONI associate myself with that part which was accepted by the Government, and I think it was accepted almost in toto.
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDWill the hon. Gentleman take great care not to interfere too much with the discretion in the administration of territorial affairs of the Territorial Association?
§ Mr. LAWSONI think it will be seen from my answer that the question raised 590 by the hon. and gallant Gentleman received very careful consideration, and the answer I gave clearly shows that there is a reluctance on the part of the War Office to interfere with the administration of those Associations.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWould it be in the interests of the Army that men with military experience should fulfil jobs which are done by adjutants in the Regular Army?