§ MR. STACPOOLEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is now prepared to state what steps have been taken with reference to an assimilation in the future of the offices of the Chief of the Army Medical Department and Permanent Veterinary Surgeon, with the view of putting an end to the stagnation of promotion in Her Majesty's Veterinary Surgeon Service?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, Mr. Wilkinson has been 50 years in the Service, and Principal Veterinary Surgeon since 1854. His retirement is in progress, and application is on the point of being made to the Treasury for his pension. A letter has been received from him asking for a special pension on account of his long service. In the future a different tenure of Principal Veterinary Surgeon will be established.