§ 65. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Secretary of State for War why certain junior Royal Artillery officers commissioned during 1916–1918 are being asked to transfer to other corps; whether the officers are liable to relinquish their commissions if they do not accept; and if he will make a statement on this matter?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOwing to the abnormal intake of officers into the Royal Artillery during the War, the prospects of those commissioned between February, 1916, arid September, 1918, of promotion to Major and higher ranks are particularly unfavourable. 3221 Such officers are therefore being given the opportunity of applying for transfer to the infantry where the prospects are generally better. Officers who do not desire, or are not accepted for, transfer will continue to serve in the Royal Artillery under the ordinary conditions.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEIs it then understood that there is no compulsion on the part of the War Office to make these officers transfer?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNone in the least. Any transfer will only take place when it is for the benefit of the officer.