§ MR. BIGGARasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the fact that the largest increase of pay granted to the Army Quartermasters in 1881 was tenpence per day; whether this increase is, at the end of five years' service, reduced to fourpence a-day; whether the Quartermasters' half pay was, in 1881, increased from ten shillings per day to a retired pay of £200 a-year; and, whether he is aware that the Quartermasters' responsibilities have been heavily increased, while their hopes of succeeding to a regimental Paymastership have been blighted by recent legislation?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThere may be periods in a Quartermaster's service at which, under certain unfavourable circumstances, the increase of pay is not large; but, on the whole, a substantial increase of pay and retired pay was, after full consideration, granted by the Royal Warrant of 1881, as well as improved honorary and relative rank, and, therefore, increased allowances and widows' pension. The responsibilities of Quartermasters, as of all other regimental officers, have been increased by the adoption of short service.