§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked the Secretary of State for War, If he will state why the vacancy in the 82nd Regiment in October 1866, caused by the promotion of Captain Richardson to a half-pay majority, was treated as a purchase and not as a non-purchase step, and given to Lieutenant Mason over the heads of several officers of longer service, and especially Lieutenant Maunsell; and, whether such treatment of the vacancy was not a departure from the then existing warrants and regulations?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONOn the reduction of the Army in 1866, certain majors and captains were promoted to half-pay commissions. The then Secretary of State decided, in the interest of the public, that such of the vacancies in the rank of captain so caused as were filled should be filled by purchase, the money going to the Military Reserve Fund. Lieutenant Mason, as the senior lieutenant recorded for purchase, was promoted. Such treatment of the vacancy was in strict accordance with the Royal Warrant and Regulations then current.