§ MR. MOLLOYasked the Secretary of State for War, If it is obligatory upon the Purchase Captains to accept promotion to the newly-created majorities under the provisions of the recent Royal Warrant; or, can they elect to serve on until compelled to retire, under the Age Clause, at forty-two?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that, in making the promotions on the 1st of July last, when the Warrant of the 25th of June came into operation, we gave captains who had reached the reduced age at which retirement was compulsory, and who were also eligible and recommended for promotion, the choice between promotion and compulsory retirement. But I see no reason for extending that option to officers who have not reached the age for compulsory retirement.