asked the Secretary of State for War whether all temporary officers still employed in the army in technical departments possess the qualifications necessary for their appointments; and will he take steps forthwith to demobilise any officer who may be so employed and does not possess such technical qualification?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the latter part, therefore, does not arise, but it is the policy of the army Council to demobilise a temporary officer as soon as a, qualified Regular officer becomes available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the army on the Rhine a Regular officer who held the rank of major during the War and who was fully qualified is now junior to a temporary lieutenant?

I am not aware of that case, but I am aware that there are temporary officers with special technical qualifications. I believe there is one case where an officer has a knowledge of German law and the German language and acts in a magisterial capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many temporary officers have been demobilised from the army since the present Government assumed office; and what length of time it is estimated will elapse before all those still employed will be replaced by Regular officers?

The answer to the first part of the question is 46. As regards the second part, the replacement of any temporary officer depends on the circumstances of the particular case, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he is not in a position to make an estimate.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question of the temporary officers, on the Adjournment to-morrow night.