HC Deb 01 March 1917 vol 90 c2165W
Mr. INGLEBY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Army Council Instruction 45, of 1917, orders the headquarters of a reserve battalion, i.e., the commanding officer, second in command, adjutant, and quartermaster to be changed every six months; whether this constant change will lead to the more efficient training of reinforcements or the better supervision of interior economy and prevention of waste; and whether, in view of eventual demobilisation, the Army Council have considered the losses which must occur in both equipment and clothing accounts if these half-yearly changes are introduced?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. There is no intention of changing all the officers of the headquarters of a reserve battalion every six months, though they must be regarded as available for reinforcements if required.