§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) serving and (b) retired field marshals there are; and, in respect of the latter, what continuing duties or obligations they have. [41223]
§ Dr. ReidOne of the recommendations made in the Independent Review of the Armed Forces' Manpower, Career and Remuneration Structures by Sir Michael Bett was that promotion to 5-star rank should cease in peacetime. There is now no serving officer at Field Marshal rank. There are, however, eight retired Field Marshals retained on the active list. In terms of continuing duties and obligations some have retained honorary appointments connected with the Army which tend to be ceremonial and do not involve official commitment. These are: Constable Tower of London, Master Gunner St. James's Park, Vice Lord Lieutenant Wiltshire and Lord Lieutenant Greater London. In addition, two members of The Royal Family hold the honorary rank of Field Marshal, as does HM The King of Nepal.