HC Deb 31 July 1882 vol 273 c209
COLONEL MAKINS

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If it is intended to give brevet-promotion by length of service to officers of the Royal Marines, similar to that granted to the Royal Artillery; so that they may be placed on an equality with officers with whom they are serving?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am very sorry, Sir, that I cannot give a definite answer to the hon. and gallant Member's Question at present. There is an obvious difficulty in equalizing promotion in the Royal Artillery and Royal Marines, owing to the different circumstances in which officers enter the two Services, and hence some delay has occurred in settling a plan. The question, however, would probably have been decided before this time had it not been for the pressure of business at the Admiralty and War Office. I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there is every desire in both Departments to meet the admitted claims of the Marine officers, and I hope the matter will soon be arranged.

COLONEL MAKINS

asked what would be the position of the Marine officers who were now serving with officers of the Army?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

said, that, of course, till a decision on the point was arrived at they would remain in the position to which the Regulations at present entitled them.