§ MR. STANLEY LEIGHTONasked the Secretary of State for War, Why the increase of pay to lieutenants after joining their regiments is postponed in the case of the Artillery till after a period of three years' service, whereas a similar increase was made to lieutenants of the Line after a period of two years only; and, whether the Government will consider the expediency of placing the Artillery in this respect on a footing of equal advantage with the Line?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, the reason is that before the 1st of July, 1881, a second lieutenant of the Line was entitled to his increase of pay after three years' service, or on promotion to the rank of lieutenant; whereas, in the Artillery, there were no second lieutenants, and the increase of pay to lieutenants was due after three years' service. The Warrant abolished second lieutenants, and made the rule for the Line the same as that for the Artillery; but, inasmuch as it was found that, on the average, promotions from second lieutenant to lieutenant took place in about two years, second lieutenants then serving in the Line were exceptionally granted this increase after two years. Lieutenants appointed on and after the 1st of July, 1881, will serve three years before their pay is increased.