§ SIR JOHN HAY (for Sir HERBERT MAXWELL)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Sergeant Majors of Militia battalions will receive the rank of Warrant Officers in common with those of Line battalions; and, if not, whether he does not recognise some cause for dissatisfaction in the rank being withheld from Militia Sergeant Majors who have served in nearly every case much longer than those of the Line battalions?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to the right hon. and gallant Baronet, I have to say that those Militia Sergeant Majors who are still serving under their Army engagements will be eligible for the position of Warrant Officer with the rank of Sergeant Major, and that, if confirmed in those appointments and ranks, they will receive the pay allowed for similar positions in the Line battalions of the territorial regiments, being available for all Army duties within the regimental district. But it is not intended to alter the position of those noncommissioned officers of the Militia who are not now serving under their Army engagements; they are in receipt of pensions for their past Army service in addition to their pay, and I cannot admit that they have any cause whatever for dissatisfaction.