§ GENERAL FRASER (Lambeth, N.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, in view of the decision that for an officer to command a regiment for less than four years is detrimental to the interests of the Service, it is a fact that, in the course of the years 1887–8, 63 Commanding Officers are to be retired, 57 of whom after two years, and six of whom after little more than one year, in command; and, if so, if he would consider the advantage to the Service if, in certain cases, there should be the power of continuing officers in command for the approved period of four years?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)My hon. and gallant Friend's figures are substantially correct. The lieutenant colonels refered to will have served their full period of six years in the rank, and they cannot be retained longer with their battalions without injury to either the second lieutenant colonels or the senior majors. Officers promoted to be regimental lieutenant colonels from the commencement of the present year will not be removed from their commands until 1724 they have served four years, unless required for other duty.