HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc447-8
25. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the average weekly number of commissions granted during the last three months; and what is the total staff, military and civilian, of the Department which deals with the granting of commissions?

Mr. Stanley

The answer to the first part of the Question is 740. Selection of candidates for commissions is, of course, the concern of many separate branches in the War Office among many other duties, according to the arm of the service and the source from which the candidate comes, but the staff dealing with the actual process of first appointments to commissions consists of three officers, 11 civilian clerks and one civilian typist.

Sir H. Williams

Do I understand that that represents the total number of inhabitants in Hobart House?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir. If my hon. Friend reads my answer he will see I said that there are a great many other branches which, in one way or another, deal with the granting of commissions.

Mr. Thorne

Is the Minister satisfied that all these commissions are granted on merit?

Mr. Stanley

Certainly, my endeavours are to see that they are, and every step is taken to make certain that they are only so granted.

Mr. Gibson

Are the three officers mentioned the officers who post new officers to the different regiments?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir.

Mr. George Griffiths

Are professional footballers and professional cricketers who have been made officers given their commissions on merit?

Mr. Stanley

Even professional footballers and cricketers may have merits.