§ 13. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for War why a retired officer has been given the appointment of Chief of the Imperial General Staff; and whether no serving officer could be found with adequate experience and qualifications.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe distinguished officer who has been appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff was selected as the officer most suited to the post
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhile entirely agreeing with the right hon. Gentleman and desiring to pay the highest tribute to General Slim, both as an officer and as a man, may I ask him whether I can have an answer to the second part of my Question, and whether it does not rather reflect on those serving that a serving officer cannot be found for this post?
§ Mr. ShinwellAll that the appointment of General Slim has met with widespread satisfaction.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs not the true implication of this Question that officers of such outstanding ability should not be allowed to retire?
§ Mr. ShinwellThere is something to be said for that, but we have always to consider that some who are younger want to go up.
§ Major BeamishWhy has the right hon. Gentleman sunk his scruples against putting himself in the hands of the experts?
§ Mr. ShinwellI always take note of experts. Nevertheless, I exercise a wise discrimination in their selection.