§ Mr. WILESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a Regulation has been issued that no soldier in the ranks who has served abroad may apply for a commission until he has become a full corporal; and, if so, will he state the date on which the Regulation came into force?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. Friend Is under a misapprehension. No such Regulation has been issued. The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, Home Forces, is asked periodically to select candidates for admission into officer cadet units with a view to their being trained for commissioned rank. These candidates would normally be selected from among those who have already given proof of their leadership by having been selected for non-commissioned rank. Privates who possess technical or educational qualifications for special arms may, however, be selected, as also may privates who have had experience at the front and show special qualifications for holding a temporary commission.