§ MR. T. H. BOLTONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the reward for distinguished or meritorious service, under the Royal Warrant of 1884, is reserved for officers above a certain rank; and, if so, on what grounds this practice has been established?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)Officers of all ranks are eligible for rewards for distinguished or meritorious service; but as length of service necessarily forms a factor in determining claims, it follows that officers in the higher ranks are most frequently selected. A proportion of the grant is specially reserved for quartermasters. I may add that no change has been recently made in the rules which are observed in the selection of officers.