§ MR. SEXTONasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether he is aware that a Warrant Officer of the Indian Army, Conductor J. J. Bennett, of the Bengal Ordnance Department, was recommended by three general officers, in consequence of services rendered during the Afghan War, to receive an honorary Commission as Deputy Assistant Commissary, and whether that distinction has been refused to him; and, if so, why; whether there are any instances of a Warrant Officer similarly recommended being refused the honorary Commission; and, whether he will consider the case of Conductor Bennett, and lay upon the Table a Copy of any correspondence which has taken place with reference to his case?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON,in reply, said, that there was no Correspondence affecting Conductor Bennett except a letter from himself urging his claims to the award of a commission as honorary lieutenant. That request would not, however, be complied with in the absence of any recommendations in his favour from the proper military authorities in India. It did not appear necessary to him that the India Office should take any further steps in the matter.