PROMOTION IN THE ARMY.

HC Deb 25 August 1831 vol 6 cc597-8

Mr. Hume

understood there was some intention to increase the Officers of the Army and Navy, by a promotion which would put the public to an increased expense. As there were already 14,000 or 15,000 officers, a great proportion of whom were on half-pay; and as they had already sufficient Generals to allow five at least to every regiment, and sufficient Admirals to give the same proportion to ships, and as he had reason to believe, that many of these officers had been promoted without performing any services, he should move for the following returns, to establish the fact; viz. "Of the number of Officers, of each rank, in the Army, who had been allowed to sell their commissions, since January, 1825. Of the total number of Officers, of each rank, in the Army on the accession of his Majesty, distinguishing the number of each rank on full and half-pay. Of the number of Officers, of each rank, who received brevet rank on the accession of his Majesty, stating also the number of Officers, of each rank, who have received brevet rank since that time. Copy of the several warrants or regulations since January, 1825, giving promotion to Officers in the Army; and the number of promotions, of each rank, which have taken place in each year, in consequence of these warrants."

Sir Henry Hardinge

said, the hon. Member might have requested these papers, without reflecting upon officers of the Army, when he asserted, very unfairly, that thousands of officers had been promoted without merit, or having seen any service. He believed, that the promotions had not been larger than necessary to obtain efficient officers, and promote the discipline of the Army.

Mr. Hume

said, he made no complaints of the Army, but of the Government, and the Commander-in-chief; and he was prepared to show, when the returns were on the Table, that many persons had been promoted who did not deserve it.

Sir Henry Hardinge

hoped the hon. Gentleman would not make such assertions, in the absence of all proof, but wait until the Returns gave him sufficient authority: he then trusted to be able to meet him upon every case.

Returns ordered.