HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 cc1764-5W
Lieut.-Colonel CAMPION

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been come to as to granting of commissions in the Regular Army to officers in the Territorial Army who have served with distinction in the late War; and, if so, how many such commissions will be granted?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Applications for permanent commissions in the Regular Army have been received from some 4,500 officers who have served in the Army. Although the future establishment of the post-War Army has not yet been fixed, His Majesty's Government feel impressed by the desirability of giving to officers with exceptionally fine records of War Service an opportunity of entering the Army as a permanent career. It has accordingly been decided that from 200 to 300 commissions in the infantry shall be made available. The necessary machinery is being set up at once to select those officers to whom commissions are to be granted and a Committee will be formed forthwith to investigate the records and qualifications of all candidates. As I have previously indicated, distinguished service in the field will be the primary qualification required, and those who have been granted distinctions for gallantry and shown aptitude for leading in the field will receive preference. The conditions governing the grant of these commissions will be issued shortly, together with instructions for those who may not have applied in the past for commissions but now wish to do so. In addition to the commissions in the infantry which I have referred to above, it has been found possible to grant a few regular commissions in other arms and branches of the service. Full information regarding these is also being issued.

Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has approached business firms with a request that they should offer incentive in the shape of monetary rewards and promises of promotion to their employés to join the Territorial Force; and whether such forms of compulsion are compatible with the idea of voluntary service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir. No such request has been made.