§ MR. H. TOLLEMACHEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will consider the advisability of granting to Purchase Captains in the Army a step of Brevet Rank on the occasion of the issue of the New Warrant, so as to avoid their supersession in Army Rank by a great number of Non-Purchase Captains now their juniors?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, if I understand the object of the hon. Member's Question it is that, there having been admittedly under the regimental system great inequality in promotion, especially from lieutenant to captain, he wishes me to redress this inequality, so far as Army rank is concerned, in favour of Purchase captains. This proposal has been carefully considered, and I regret that it is quite out of my power to adopt it. It would create a very dangerous precedent, and would perpetuate on a large scale the evil of brevet promotion other than for distinguished service.