HC Deb 30 June 1942 vol 381 cc18-9
35. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers have been discharged as over age under the recent Army Council Instruction; and whether such instruction was differently interpreted by those responsible for carrying out the order?

Sir J. Grigg

The number of officers who, on account of advancing age or for various other reasons, have been reverted to unemployment under Army Council Instruction 422 of 1942, to which I assume my hon. Friend refers, is 1,504. All such cases have been examined at the War Office prior to the confirmation of the decision. Whilst absolute uniformity in such matters is impossible, this safe guard has, I think, ensured the application of a reasonably uniform standard.

Miss Ward

Does my right hon. Friend imagine that everybody is completely satisfied with the interpretation of this Army Council Instruction?

Sir J. Grigg

I have never been so silly as to imagine that I can satisfy everybody.

Sir W. Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware, from the figures that I have supplied, as well as from many others, that there is the very widest difference in the interpretations of this Army Order by those who have to work it?

Sir J. Grigg

No, I do not accept that.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in one case an officer who reverted to unemployment was told that there was no reflection on his integrity or his efficiency? Why was he dismissed?

Sir J. Grigg

At the beginning some officers were removed on grounds of age alone. Those cases have been reviewed.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it was after review that this officer was told that there was no reflection on his integrity or efficiency?

Sir J. Grigg

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me particulars.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Are there any young people working at the War Office?