HC Deb 19 March 1872 vol 210 cc246-7
SIR JOHN PAKINGTON

I wish to put to the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for War a Question which he did not answer last evening as he required Notice of it. It is, Whether, under the new system of promotion by "seniority tempered by selection," officers will be liable to be transferred to other regiments without their previous knowledge or consent; and, if so, whether officers so transferred will receive any compensation for the cost of new uniforms and appointments, and from what fund?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, the purchase system has left at the top of the several ranks a number of old and, in many cases, very deserving officers. His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, in giving them the promotion they deserve, is sometimes obliged to promote them to regiments other than their own. It is generally assumed in the Army that promotion will be acceptable to the officers on whom it is conferred; but if in any case it is proved that the advancement is not agreeable, it may be cancelled.

SIR JOHN PAKINGTON

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of the Question.

MR. CARDWELL

As no injury will be done, no compensation will, of course, be given.