HC Deb 01 May 1951 vol 487 c987
22. Commander Noble

asked the Secretary of State for War when the ban on the resignation of Regular officers is likely to be lifted.

Mr. M. Stewart

Instructions have now been issued allowing Regular officers who are under the age for compulsory retirement to apply to resign or retire voluntarily. No Regular officer will, however, be allowed to leave the active list, except in compassionate circumstances, before 1st January, 1952. After that date it is intended to permit retirement or resignation, but the number of applications which are approved and the dates on which officers will be permitted to leave the active list will be so controlled by the War Office as to ensure that the efficiency of the Army is not impaired.

Commander Noble

Will the Minister consider as soon as possible some scheme which will give individuals definite dates in the same way as those who are retained in the Forces beyond their period of engagement?

Mr. Stewart

I hope that we shall be able to do that.