§ Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of State for War why serving officers and other ranks are not permitted to apply for vacancies for which their civilian knowledge is required; and whether, as this procedure puts volunteers in an unfair position as compared with those who await call-up, he will issue instructions to prevent positions with commissioned rank being readily available to those not serving when the same suitable experience is available from those already serving in the Army who, in addition, have some military record?
§ Mr. LawWherever possible, appointments requiring special knowledge are filled from within the Army, and suitably qualified officers or other ranks are invited to submit particulars of their qualifications for this purpose. If suitable candidates for special appointments are not forthcoming from those already serving, civilians with the necessary qualifications may be commissioned through the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve. Entry into the Army through this channel is strictly38W limited, and I do not think it necessary to issue further instructions on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend.