HC Deb 20 November 1945 vol 416 cc375-6W
Major Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present proportion of officers to other ranks; and what was the proportion of officers to other ranks in June, 1940.

Mr. Lawson

On 30th June, 1940, the overall ratio was one officer to 21 other ranks; on 30th September, 1945, it was one to 14. No true comparison can be made, however, without taking into account the changes in the Army's com- mitments. For example, there were more than 11 times as many British officers with the Indian Army and Colonial Forces in September, 1945, as there were in June, 1940; further the present occupational tasks involve a high proportion of civil affairs officers.