§ 14. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give longer security of tenure to Territorial Army adjutants than the period of three years now proposed, as is done for Territorial Army quartermasters, since many adjutants cannot afford to take the risk of a short-term engagement.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe question of granting some extension of tenure to certain existing non-Regular adjutants of Territorial Army units is under consideration. I should like to make it clear, however, that there is no question of granting longer initial tenures than the two or three years at present permitted, as it is intended that all adjutants' appointments in the Territorial Army shall be filled by Regular officers as soon as possible.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Minister aware that he has already lost, and he is losing, some most experienced and skilled adjutants because the limit of tenure is only three years; and does he not agree that if he could give an extension it would be to the great advantage of the Territorial Army?
§ Mr. ShinwellI fully appreciate what my hon. Friend said about the efficiency of some of the present adjutants of the Territorial Army. They are doing excellent work. We are considering possible extension, but I must make it clear that it is for the Regular Army to undertake this task.