HC Deb 21 May 1941 vol 371 cc1522-3
15. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider increasing the establishment, so far as senior officers are concerned, in the Army Educational Corps, as was suggested by the Brownrigg Report?

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

The recommendations of the committee to which my hon. Friend refers concerned the peace establishment of the Army Educational Corps. I do not think this is an appropriate time to fix the future peace establishment. During the war there has been a temporary increase of establishment of more than 50 per cent. in the higher ranks, based on the responsibilities of posts, and promotions to fill this establishment are made, when vacancies occur, under the war promotion rules.

Mr. Lipson

Does not my hon. Friend consider that this service is important in war as well as in peace, and, if so, will he not reconsider it?

Mr. Law

Certainly, Sir. I think it has been made clear that this service is regarded as being of the highest importance in war, but I am saying that the present time does not seem appropriate for consideration to be given to this question.

Captain Anstruther-Gray

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that Army educational officers, admirable though they maybe, are a luxury which can be dispensed with when the Army is short?

Mr. Lipson

.Will my hon. Friend make it clear that he does not share that view?

16. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that in the Army Educational Corps an officer cannot be promoted to the rank of major till he has had 22 years of commissioned service whereas in the combatant corps only 17 years is required, he will take steps to remove this difference in the qualifying period?

Mr. Law

The peace-time conditions of service in the Army Educational Corps differ in various respects from those of the combatant arms. Officers of the Army Educational Corps continue, for example, to serve until they are 60 years of age, regardless of rank, whereas the combatant officer, who does not rise above the rank of major, under peace conditions normally has to retire at 47. For these reasons, I think the differentiation to which my hon. Friend refers is justified.