§ COLONEL DUNCAN (Finsbury, Holborn)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is now in a position to say anything about the future position of Army Quartermasters?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR OFFICE (Mr. BRODRICK) (Surrey, Guildford)(who replied) said: The Treasury have now approved the 602 proposals submitted to them for further improving the position and emoluments of the quartermasters and riding masters of the Army—namely, (1) In future quartermasters and riding masters who are specially recommended may be granted the rate of pay laid down in the Royal Warrant for 20 years' commissioned service, after only 15 years' commissioned service, provided the officer has a total service of 30 years; (2) in certain posts of exceptional responsibility held by quartermasters and riding masters the honorary and relative rank of major may be granted. This will give the officers concerned slightly higher allowances, and the relative rank of major will carry with it the right to major's rates of widow's pension and compassionate allowances; (3) under the present regulations a quartermaster or riding master compelled to retire on account of ill-health before completing 10 years' commissioned service can only receive as retired pay the rates laid down for half-pay in Article 952 of the Royal Warrant of June 10, 1884, varying from 4s. to 7s. 6d. per day. In future an officer so retiring after 30 years' total service, but with less than 10 years' commissioned service, will be granted retired pay at rates varying from 8s. to 10s. per day.