HC Deb 05 April 1927 vol 204 cc1870-1
20. Brigadier - General CHARTERIS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the number of officers on full pay as colonels is now greater or less than the pre-War number; if greater, what is the excess; and to what is it due, having regard to the fact that the present strength of the Army is less than the pre-War strength?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The number of officers in receipt of full pay as colonels from Army Funds is 265 as compared with 264 before the War, i.e., one more. The additional numbers necessitated by having troops on the Rhine and at Shanghai, and by the increased requirements of schools and technical establishments, have been met by reductions elsewhere.

Brigadier-General CHARTERIS

Are we to assume that this number will be reduced when the troops come back from the Rhine?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As soon as the occasion presents itself, the number will be reduced.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider also the question of making a reduction in the Intelligence Department, in view of what happened at Paschaendale?