§ 37. Mr. Cobbasked the Secretary of State for War how many of the officers promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general and major-general, respectively, as announced in the Gazette of 3rd December last, commenced their service career in the ranks.
§ Mr. BellengerNone of the four, Sir, but the proportion may rise somewhat in future years.
§ Mr. CobbWill my right hon. Friend say when we may expect a really concrete sign that the principle of equal opportunities for all in His Majesty's Armed Forces of the Crown will begin to operate?
§ Mr. BellengerMy hon. Friend will know that it is the policy of the War Office to commission officers almost entirely from the ranks, but it will take some time, I am afraid, before we can expect generals coming from the ranks.