HC Deb 05 July 1955 vol 543 c932
16. Mr. Simmons

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will obtain an undertaking from serving officers that they will refrain from using their military rank and title after retirement from active service.

Mr. Head

No, Sir. I see no reason for such a change.

Mr. Simmons

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these people running about with high-sounding titles have never seen any active service and they flash these titles about politically? If he is not prepared to make this request to commissioned officers, will the Minister give warrant officers and non-commissioned officers the right to use their titles?

Mr. Head

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. and gallant Member that warrant officers and sergeants have permission, if they wish, to use their rank after they have left the Service. This is a fairly optional matter. If anyone wants to retain his rank, it is a sign that he is proud of having served in the Army.

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