HC Deb 14 May 1941 vol 371 cc1218-9
64. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the regulations for promotions in the Army Education Corps; and how they compare with those that apply to other branches of the Service?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law)

As the answer contains a great deal of detailed information, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Lipson

As it is said that an officer of the Army Education Corps has to wait 20 years for his substantive promotion, will my hon. Friend put them in line with other parts of the Service, as it is suggested that the work they are doing is of great importance?

Mr. Law

I think my hon. Friend had better study the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The rules governing substantive promotion of Army Education Corps officers are as follow:

(a) Officers serving in the Army Education Corps on 3rd February, 1939.

(b) Officers appointed to the Army Education Corps after 3rd February, 1939.

As for officers appointed before 3rd February, 1939, up to the rank of captain. Above that rank promotion is by selection from officers of the next lower rank to fill vacancies in establishments.

Above the rank of major, substantive promotions both in the Army Education Corps and the combatant arms is by selection from officers of the next lower rank to fill vacancies in the establishment. Substantive promotion of officers in war-time is, however, confined to those holding regular commissions. Apart from regular officers, war-time promotions in the Army Education Corps are to acting and war substantive rank, as in other branches of the Service, and are made to fill vacancies in the war establishment. The rules governing promotion in war of other ranks in the Army Education Corps are the same as for other corps.