§ 39. Mr. Odeyasked the Secretary of State for War if he will review the regulations governing the granting of Regular commissions so that ex-Service men of suitable age and qualifications can be considered for immediate appointment.
§ Mr. StracheyIn certain circumstances, ex-officers may be granted Regular commissions without the need of further service in the ranks, provided they pass the Regular Commissions Board. I cannot, however, agree to the immediate granting of Regular commissions to ex-Service men who have not previously held commissioned rank. In such cases, provided they fulfil certain conditions, they can re-enlist in the ranks and apply to be considered for a short service commission. If they are granted such commission, they may, after a period of satisfactory service, apply to be considered for a Regular commission.
§ Mr. OdeyWill the right hon. Gentleman look at a case, of which I have sent him particulars, of an ex-officer, aged 30, who had several years' service overseas during the war and was mentioned in despatches, who applied for a commission and received a most discouraging reply?
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot discuss an individual case across the Floor of the House in answer to a supplementary question, but I think the rule as I have stated it is the correct one.