HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 cc1449-50
22. Mr. Burke

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the irritation arid dissatisfaction caused among men who, because of ability and efficiency, are given special duties to perform and accordingly promoted in rank often for long periods and who, when they have finished these special tasks satisfactorily, immediately lose their stripes; and will he consider making such promotions war substantive?

Mr. A. Henderson

The normal rules for promotion in war provide for the grant of war substantive rank after the requisite period of time has been served in acting rank. In rare cases in which particular instructional qualifications of an exceptional nature are required, local non-commissioned rank is granted and such rank does not become war substantive. The holders of such rank are not required to possess the all-round military qualifications of a non-commissioned officer and if the local rank given were permitted to become war substantive, they would in many cases be unfitted for the normal duties of a noncommissioned officer on return to general duty and would, therefore, be liable to reduction for inefficiency. There is no evidence available that the existing procedure gives rise to any dissatisfaction.

Mr. Burke

Does not my hon. and learned Friend realise that when a man has spent two periods on special jobs because of special ability and then loses his stripes it requires some explaining away to his friends? Does it not make for had discipline?

Mr. Henderson

If my hon. Friend has any special case in mind perhaps he will let me have particulars. As regards the general position I think it is accepted in the Army that when a man ceases to hold a post that carries with it a certain rank he may then be liable to have to take the rank that goes with a lower post.

Mr. Burke

But where a man has done a special job on two occasions for six months ought he not to be entitled, as. a reward for his extra efficiency, to retain his stripes?

Mr. Henderson

I would like to have the facts of such a case.

Mr. Burke

I will send them on.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this system of temporary rank which has to be given up when a job is finished causes a considerable amount of misunderstanding among officers and men and is very unpopular just because it is so unfair?

Mr. Henderson

I am certainly aware of the feeling in the Army on this problem—anyone who has served in the Army must be aware of it—but I am afraid it is not possible in present circumstances to do anything about it.