§ 4. Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India the practice in filling appointments as quart: r-master in the Royal Corps of Signals, India; whether these appointments are reserved as channels of promotion for qualified warrant officers on the special roster of that corps; and, if not, whether action will be taken to ensure that gentlemen already holding commissioned rank shall not be appointed as quarter-masters in future?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe general policy is to give preference to qualified warrant officers on the special roster, except as regards initial supply alone. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Army Instruction which explains the position.
§ Dr. SHIELSIs the Noble Lord aware that senior officers are reverting in rank to take these positions and that there is a feeling among warrant officers that their prospects of promotion are suffering in consequence?
§ Earl WINTERTONI do not think that is so. I think, when the hon. Gentleman has read this particular Army instruction, he will regard it as satisfactory. Except in the case of existing officers, who will have certain advantages under the Order in future, these appointments will he given to warrant officers.