§ DR. KENNY (Cork, S.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware of the fact that pioneer sergeants, although they are obliged to go through special scientific training before being appointed to their positions, and in addition to possessing the qualification necessary for the post of orderly room sergeant—namely, a second-class school certificate (Army School), are yet debarred from all further promotion to which orderly room and other sergeants become entitled by length of service; and, whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance, under which this most deserving class of officers now suffer?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The importance and responsibility of the post of orderly-room sergeant are considerably greater than those of pioneer sergeant, and there is no valid reason why the higher rank given to orderly-room sergeants should be extended to pioneer sergeants. I may add that, except in the case of farrier sergeants, every non-commissioned officer must be in possession of a second-class certificate before he can be promoted sergeant.