§ 12. Captain Pooleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now amend the regulations so that when an officer has held temporary rank for a period exceeding two years that rank shall become automatically his war substantive rank?
§ Sir J. GriggI would refer my hon, and gallant Friend to the statement I made on this subject on 10th November last, of which I am sending him a copy. There is nothing I can usefully add.
§ Captain PooleDo we understand that the Minister is incapable of changing his mind on this matter? Is he aware of the great hardship inflicted and of the great discontent which exists in the Service?
§ Sir J. GriggThere is no evidence of any serious discontent since the concessions I announced on that occasion. The fact that concessions were announced is a sign that I am prepared to change my mind when I find it justifiable.
§ Captain PooleDoes the Minister realise that the concessions he announced apply only to a very small percentage of the people who are affected?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not know that, and I do not think it is so.