§ MR. O'LEARYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether in the future selections for promotion to the rank of Deputy Surgeon General, he will take means to prevent the Senior Surgeons Major of the Army who for twenty years and upwards have served the Crown faithfully in various climates, and through more than one campaign, with unblemished reputation in many arduous and responsible positions, from being superseded in their well-earned advancement?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, no senior surgeon with the necessary qualifications would be passed over, but proved ability will supersede seniority which is unaccompanied by the necessary qualifications.