§ 12. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of majors and senior captains, recently retired from the Regular Army and latterly employed on the administrative staff of the War Office, have been informed that they are to be retained as administrators and graded as civil servants; that these officers have, owing to this decision lost military status and are suffering financially and in pension prospects; and whether he will either restore them to the active list or recompense them adequately for their present employment?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The employment of retired officers, as such, in the War Office is of long standing. They serve under special conditions, and may earn a retiring allowance or gratuity in respect of such service. The question whether, if they are required during the war for appointments normally held by staff officers, they should be recalled to the active list or be otherwise specially treated is under examination.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter carefully as these officers consider that they have a definite grievance?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir. I believe some of them feel that they have a grievance. The arrangement was made some years ago, but I will look into the matter again.