§ 16. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War the conditions under which officers of the Regular Army are now permitted to resign their commissions, or to retire on retired pay.
§ Mr. ShinwellSince December, 1947, all Regular officers have been permitted to apply to resign or retire voluntarily. Applications are considered on their individual merits, but regard is paid, for the present, to the needs of the Army in general, and of each Arm in particular. As a rule, an application is approved where the officer's services can be spared without detriment to the Service.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs it to be understood from that answer that an officer has only 188 a chance and not anything approaching the certainty of being allowed to resign his commission in these days?
§ Mr. ShinwellOf course, there is no certainty about anything; but there is a chance, and where there is a chance the officer concerned will have his opportunity.
§ Sir G. JeffreysA reasonably good chance?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill the Minister consider giving the same privilege to other ranks as is given to officers?
§ Mr. ShinwellIn fact they have the same privilege. They can, or will be able to do so shortly, by payment of a certain amount.