§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Quartermasters who were fortunate enough to obtain appointments in the Pay Department, as well as those in the Ordnance and Commissariat Department, are entitled to count full rank service up to 10 years, he will consider the desirability of extending that privilege to Infantry Quartermasters promoted before 1st July, 1881; and, whether he is aware that, if that change were brought about, only 17 Quartermasters would be affected, and consequently the existing grievance could be redressed at a trifling cost?
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe whole question of the position of Quartermasters has recently been considered with great care, and important concessions made to them; and, under the circumstances, the Secretary of State is not prepared to reopen the subject.