§ 42. Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War how many Regular serving officers of the rank of colonel, temporary brigadier, and major-general, are being compulsorily retired between 1st August and 31st December of this year under the terms of Army Order 169 of 1938; and whether he considers that at the present time it is desirable to lose the services of experienced senior officers?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe numbers are 14, 23 and 4 respectively. Thirty of these officers have already exceeded the age limits for compulsory retirement laid down in Army Order 169 of 1938. These 204 officers will be liable to recall, in the event of emergency, until they reach the age limits when the liability expires. To retain them in employment on the active list now would retard the promotion of other officers.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIn regard to the rapid expansion of the War Department is it not very necessary to retain the services of these experienced officers?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMost of them are past the age of retirement but we are, as my hon. Friend knows, inviting certain officers to return and to help in the Service, and to the extent which that is desirable it will be done.