§ MR. STACPOOLEasked the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended to improve the position of quartermasters by giving them increased rank after certain service—the same as other staff and departmental officers?
COLONEL LOYD LINDSAYSir, the Secretary of State for War does not feel himself justified in holding out any expectation 855 that an alteration will at the present time be made in the position of Quartermasters in the Army. Their case has repeatedly been under consideration. The late Secretary of State decided not to propose any alteration in their position, in January, 1877. Recent changes, caused by the appointment of Army Quartermasters to the linked battalions of Militia at Brigade Depôts, will have opened to Quartermasters a large number of appointments of a comparatively stationary nature—appointments which have always been considered of a very advantageous character.