HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1309-10
69. Major Markham

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the officer appointments in the Military Secretary Department are held by Territorial or emergency commission officers?

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Thirty-four per cent.

Major Markham

In view of the fact that the Territorial and emergency officers now represent the great bulk of the Army, does he not think that it would be much fairer and would give greater confidence in the Military Secretary Department if those two groups of officers were more adequately represented there?

Mr. Henderson

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend would find, if he went into the matter, that this represents a very fair proportion.

Major Markham

Is it not a fact that the Territorial and emergency officers represent nine-tenths of the Army and that according to this answer they only have one-third of the offices available in the Military Secretary Department?

Mr. Henderson

I cannot accept the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Supplementary Question.