§ 1 and 2. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) how many officers of the rank of colonel and of each rank of general officer have, during the past 12 months, been found not to be fit in all respects for active service; and how many of those so found unfit are still on full pay;
(2) whether all colonels and general officers have been medically examined during the past 12 months; and, if so, whether any reductions in the ages for compulsory retirement of colonels and the various ranks of general officers are contemplated as a result of these medical examinations?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)All general officers and colonels who are employed on full pay have been medically examined during the last 12 months. Four officers of these ranks were found by medical boards to be unfit, and only one of them remains on full-pay. Officers found to be temporarily unfit are removed to the half-pay list when they have exhausted their sick leave or are pronounced permanently unfit for general service. No reductions in the ages for compulsory retirement of officers of these ranks are contemplated.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDWhy is this elderly unfit officer allowed to remain on full pay while many young officers of the cavalry and infantry who are perfectly fit have been got rid of under the "axe"?
§ Mr. HACKINGSome of these officers are not permanently unfit, and it is rather hard to remove a man because he happens to be temporarily indisposed.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDMay I take it that the military members of the Army Council, general officers, commanders-in-chief of commands, are included in this reply?
§ Mr. HACKINGI have answered the question put down by my hon. and gallant Friend, and, if he desires to put down another question, I will gladly answer that also.