§ COLONEL NOLANasked the Secretary of State for War, If, during the present emergency, he would suspend the new rule which places on half pay Majors of the Royal Artillery and Engineers after seven years' service in that rank; and, if such a suspension of this rule would not save the Exchequer an appreciable sum of money?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThere is provision in the Royal Warrant for the temporary retention of officers under special circumstances, if their services are required; and, moreover, retired officers are available for employment up to specified ages in case of emergency. Under these circumstances, I do not see any necessity for suspending Rules which have been made in the interests of promotion of junior officers. I may add that no major of Royal Artillery now commanding a battery on active service is likely to be affected by the seven years' Rule; and that this Rule cannot apply at all in the Royal Engineers for nearly two years.