§ MR. BIGGARasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Army Quarter Masters would be allowed, as a body, to petition the Government for the redress of their grievances, as all other attempts to get them redressed seem to have failed?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, it would be contrary to the custom and Regulations of the Service, and would be strongly disapproved of as inconsistent with the spirit of discipline which ought to prevail in the Army, if quartermasters as a body petitioned Government for redress of their grievances. On the other hand, any officer or soldier who may consider himself aggrieved can appeal individually, through his military superiors, to the Secretary of State for War with the certainty that his case will be fully inquired into. The position of quartermasters has, during the last few years, been fully considered, and much has been done to improve their emoluments and rank both while serving and on retirement. I cannot admit that as a body they have any reasonable cause of complaint.