§ 38. Mr. Charles Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of a soldier, 14944324, about whom the hon. Member for Colchester wrote to his Department on 23rd April, 28th May and 5th July, 1946; what this man's academic qualifications are; how long he has been in the Army; what his substantive rank now is; and whether he is aware that this soldier has, on three occasions, been recommended by specialists boards for transfer to the Army Education corps and, on three occasions, had the transfer cancelled by order of his Department.
§ Mr. BellengerThe soldier referred to is a Bachelor of Arts. He joined the Army on 1st March, 1945, and his substantive rank is private. I am aware that he has been recommended on three occasions for transfer to the Army Educational Corps by interviewing boards and that such transfer has not been approved by my Department. It is a matter for the Army 1404 Council to decide the corps in which a soldier can best serve. I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given him on 19th February and 2nd July which state the true position.
§ Mr. SmithSince the three boards in question interviewed the man and the Army Council have not interviewed him, will the right hon. Gentleman state on what grounds the Army Council refused this transfer on three occasions?
§ Mr. BellengerAs explained in the previous answer to my hon. Friend, the Army Council delegate their duties to suitable officers and that is the reason why the Army Council itself would not have interviewed this soldier.