§ 40 Mr. George Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that men now holding tem- 200 porary commissioned or non-commissioned ranks, will, in the event of their signing on for further service, retain their present ranks.
§ Mr. LawsonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to temporary officers and non-commissioned officers who voluntarily defer their release for a period. In such cases the rank held may be retained subject to the normal operation of the wartime promotion codes. Under this code acting or temporary rank may only be held so long as a vacancy in that rank within an establishment is being filled. I cannot, therefore, guarantee that any acting or temporary rank will be retained throughout the period of deferment.
§ Mr. WallaceIs my right hon. Friend aware that a definite statement to men wishing to serve in the Forces during peace, giving them a guarantee that their commissioned rank will be retained, will ensure that the Army will obtain excellent skilled men who have had experience during the war, and the Army will obtain a number of skilled troops?
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir; I am not aware of any such statement and I should be very sorry if men have been misled.