HC Deb 29 March 1949 vol 463 cc1023-4
26. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made to enable time-expired warrant officers and senior noncommissioned officers to extend their period of service in suitable cases.

Mr. Shinwell

Soldiers who have completed 22 years' Colour service may be allowed to continue to serve for a year at a time beyond 22 years, provided that there is a vacancy, and that they are medically fit and recommended. Subject to the same conditions, warrant officers Class I may be allowed to extend their service beyond 22 years for as long as is necessary to allow them to complete five years in the rank of warrant officer I.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is it not a fact that many of these men with long experience are at present being denied the opportunity of carrying on with their service?

Mr. Shinwell

As it happens, there is a surplus of warrant officers and senior N.C.O.s in infantry, and we must have regard, all other things being equal, to the need for promotion.