HC Deb 04 March 1940 vol 358 cc15-6
52. Mr. Ede

asked the Minister of Supply who recommended Mr. David Behar and Mr. Robert Behar for Army commissions to enable them to serve in his Department; what action has been taken on these applications; the age of the applicants; what specialist qualifications these applicants have been found to possess; and what is their present status in the Ministry of Supply?

Mr. Burgin

In both cases, Captain C. P. Davis acted as referee for the purpose of application for registration in the Officers Emergency Reserve, Mr. D. Behar being also interviewed and reported as suitable for a temporary commission by Lieut.-Colonel E. H. Clayton, R.A., an Assistant Director of Movements and Components in the Ministry of Supply. The applications were made to the War Office in the ordinary course. According to the form of application, Mr. R. Behar is 39, and Mr. D. Behar is 35. As regards the last two parts of the Question, I have come to the conclusion that these two gentlemen should not continue to serve in the Ministry of Supply, and I have so informed them.

Mr. Ede

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two gentlemen are still wearing military uniform, and will he draw the attention of the War Office to the fact that they are not now being recommended for commissions?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir.

Mr. G. Strauss

Is it not a fact that they have no qualifications whatever for the work they are supposed to be doing?

Sir Irving Albery

Is there any reason why officials of the Ministry of Supply should be given military rank?

Mr. Burgin

Perhaps my hon. Friend will await Question 54, which relates to that matter.

53. Mr. Ede

asked the Minister of 'Supply what position Mr. C. P. Davis holds in the Ministry of Supply; what part he took in the recommendation of Mr. David Behar and Mr. Robert Behar for Army commissions; is he aware that Mr. Davis had previous business relationships with Mr. David and Mr. Robert Behar; and when will Mr. Davis' connection with the Ministry be ended?

Mr. Burgin

The answer to the first part of the Question is that Captain C. P. Davis holds in the Directorate of Ordnance Factories the position of liaison officer with the Directorate of Movements and Components. His work is to progress the movement of materials to and from the filling factories. The answer to the second part of the Question I have given in reply to the hon. Member's previous Question. The answer to the third and fourth parts is that I have come to the conclusion that this gentleman should not continue to serve in the Ministry of Supply, and I have so informed him. I have informed the Secretary of State for War who is considering what action is called for on his part.

54. Mr. Ede

asked the Minister of Supply what recent changes have been made in the arrangements for considering applications for Army commissions to be held in his Department, and in the number of posts in his Department for which an Army commission is regarded as an essential qualification?

Mr. Burgin

I have arranged to set up a standing Selection Board to consider and make recommendations to me in any case in which there appears to be ground for appointing a civilian to a post regarded as a military post in the War Office before the Ministry of Supply was established or analogous to such a post. Where it is judged advisable that the post should continue to be held by a military officer, the qualifications and suitability of civilian candidates for such posts will be examined and reported on by the Board before application is made that they should receive a Commission in His Majesty's Forces.