§ MR. WHITLEYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether an Officer who obtained his Captaincy by purchase, being one of the three senior Regimental Captains, is entitled as a matter of course equally with non-purchase Captains to his step in Army rank, i.e. one of the new Army Majorities, provided he passes the necessary examinations within the time specified in the General Order of the 1st of August?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn reply to the hon. Gentleman, I have to state that no captain, whether purchase or non-purchase, is entitled, as a matter of course, to promotion to a vacant majority in his regiment on the ground of seniority. He is eligible for that promotion after six years' service; and, if a purchase captain, will be exempted from examination if specially reported to the Commander-in-Chief as qualified for promotion.