§ Major NALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Regular officers who commanded units in the field are now being posted to units where they are under the command of others who were superseded and sent home with adverse reports; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this practice?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo officer is allowed to retain command of a unit unless the Army Council after considering all his war reports, are satisfied that he is fit to command. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that in the posting of officers for duty with units, as well as the selection of officers for command, due regard is paid to their military efficiency.
§ Major NALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the date by which all Regular field officers who were sent home as unfit to command a unit in the field will have been removed from the active list and, approximately, how many it is expected will be so removed in order to promote efficient juniors?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe work of scrutinising all the War reports of senior officers necessarily takes a considerable time. I regret I am unable yet to say when it will be complete or how many officers are likely to be considered unfit.