HC Deb 14 April 1938 vol 334 c1331W
Mr. Leckie

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers joining the Army are commissioned for a definite minimum period; what is the minimum; and what notice they have to give if and when they desire to resign their commissioners?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

With a few exceptions in certain corps, officers joining the Regular Army are not commissioned for definite periods. Cadets gazetted to commissions in the Royal Engineers are required to give an undertaking in writing that they will serve for a period of not less than five years on completion of their course at Cambridge University. As regards the last part of the question, no period of notice is laid down. Applications to retire or resign are subject to the condition that the officers' services can be spared.