asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a number of Reserve Officers (first line) who received their commissions eight years ago still hold the probationary rank of second lieutenant, and whether, in view of the damaging effect in their civilian life of this apparent reflection on their ability, he will state what steps he intends to take to have them promoted.

I am aware that there are at the present time a number of officers of the Reserve of Officers—first line— who hold the rank of second lieutenant. Proposals in regard to the promotion to the rank of lieutenant of such of these officers as are regarded as having qualified for promotion are at present being considered.

Will the Minister not agree that it is even more damaging to military life that regular officers should be retained in the rank of second lieutenant from 1922 to 1939, many of them having had I.R.A. service, and that that requires more consideration than this particular matter?

Both of them require consideration and they are both under consideration.