HC Deb 22 July 1919 vol 118 cc1168-9W
Brigadier-General Sir OWEN THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of officers there are at present surplus to establishment and the number who have applied to be demobilised; and what is the policy of the War Office in regard to the demobilisation of officers who have no intention of remaining and are no longer required in the Service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I regret it is not possible at present to answer the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. Steps are taken as reorganisation proceeds to ascertain from all Armies of Occupation, etc., the numbers of officers becoming surplus to establishment, as well as the number who volunteer to stay on and the number compulsorily retained, with a view to replacing the latter by volunteer officers surplus to requirements elsewhere. As regards the last part of the question, the policy is to demobilise as quickly as possible all officers who are no longer required.