§ Mr. W. Brownasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken by his Department to give effect to the direction given by the Treasury at the beginning of the war that civil servants called up for service with the Forces should be considered for promotion in absentia; how many civil servants called to the forces and belonging to the staffs of War Office establishments have been so promoted since the war; and what machinery has been used for the purpose of selecting them?
§ Sir J. GriggAs regards Headquarters staff, so members serving in the Forces have already been promotedin absentia, and further promotions are at present under consideration. As regards out- 758W station staff, the promotion in absentia of members serving in the Forces has been unavoidably delayed owing to the absence hitherto of complete common seniority rolls of the grades concerned. Compilation of these rolls is nearly complete and it is hoped to proceed shortly with the selection of candidates for promotion in absentia. Promotions in absentia are made on the recommendations of Promotion Boards. Appropriate antedates will be given to those selected.