HC Deb 27 March 1945 vol 409 c1295
20. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of officers holding a temporary rank, having returned to the United Kinģdom since 1st January, 1945, from overseas, on long service grounds, have held that rank for more than 6r days' after disembarkation.

Sir J. Griģģ

I regret that these figures are not readily available.

Mr. Brown

Can the Minister assure the House that he is not taKinģ advantage of the return of these men with temporary rank for good service overseas to downgrade them in rank on a large scale almost immediately they return to England?

Sir J. Griģģ

I can assure the hon. Member that I am not taKinģ advantage of anything. If the hon. Member has any specific instance, or any number of specific instances, in which he thinks the regulations work hardly, perhaps he will let me know, and I will look into them.

Mr. Brown

It is not a question of regulations worKinģ hardly, but the way the regulations are applied by the War Office. Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House he is not down-grading these men in large numbers immediately on their return to this country?

Sir J. Griģģ

I am quite clear that am not departing from the regulations.

Mr. Brown

But regulations cover a multitude of sins.

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