§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what reason, if any, there was for the promotion of Captain Bateman, of the Tower Hamlets Volunteers (Royal Engineers), over the heads of seven senior officers; and, would he inquire under what circumstances Captain Bate-man was transferred from the Honourable Artillery Company to the Tower Hamlets Volunteers?
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSSeveral of the officers senior to Major Bateman declined promotion; while one was ineligible. The Commanding Officer of the Volunteers, the Commanding Royal Engineer, and the General Officer Commanding the District, concurred in recommending Major Bateman as the best qualified officer for the post of Major. I am not aware that there is any occasion for inquiring under what circumstances Major Bateman was transferred from the Honourable Artillery Company to the Tower Hamlets Volunteers.
§ *MAJOR JAMESONasked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that one officer was passed over?
§ *MAJOR JAMESONWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries on the subject?
[No answer was given.]