§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N. W.)asked the Secretary of State for War, If he is aware of the widespread discontent among the non-commissioned officers of the Inniskilling Fusiliers at Aldershot consequent on their being passed over in promotion in favour of the junior sergeant but one, in the filling of the post of Quartermaster Sergeant; is he aware that several general complaints have been made by the men so passed over; and, whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the truth or otherwise of the allegations contained in the General Reports with 546 a view to removing the discontent so prejudicial to discipline?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The promotion of non-commissioned officers to the Regimental Staff is effected by the selection of the man whom the Commanding Officer considers to be best fitted for the post, irrespective of seniority. In this case the action of the Commanding Officer has been fully approved by the General Officer commanding the Brigade, and I decline altogether to interfere in the matter.