HC Deb 11 November 1920 vol 134 cc1389-90W
Sir W. SEAGER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that there were on 1st October, 1920 (exclusive of those employed by the Government of India and other Government Departments), 6,000 retired, special Reserve, Territorial, and temporary officers still serving and that the numbers of regular officers at present serving are less than the number required to carry nut the present duties, it is possible to replace some of the 6,000 above-mentioned officers by granting regular commissions to some of the temporary officers who have applied?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The number of non-regular officers to whom regular commissions can be given depends upon the future permanent peace establishment of the regular army. Until the establishments of the various arms of service are definitely settled, I regret that it is impossible to state whether it will be practicable to increase the number of regular commissions already granted to non-regular officers. As the hon. Member is aware, some 300 regular commissions have been granted in the cavalry and infantry.