14. Lieut. Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has now considered the desirability of making one or two major-generals' appointments open to officers of the Territorial Army; and what has been the result of that consideration?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, there is nothing in the Regulations to prevent the appointment of Territorial Army officers to the command of Territorial Army divisions. While I realise the strength of the arguments in favour of making such appointments when possible, prior consideration must always be given to the importance of obtaining the best officer available for the post.
§ Brigadier-General NATIONMay I ask whether preference might not be given to Territorial officers qualified for such an appointment; and can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether an offer to command a division has ever been made to a Territorial officer since the War?
§ Mr. COOPERI do not think that such an appointment has been made since the War.
§ Brigadier-General NATIONWill you consider it, Sir?
§ Mr. COOPERYes.