HC Deb 14 March 1898 vol 54 cc1523-4
MAJOR RASCH

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, taking into consideration the educational qualification necessary for the appointment of regimental quartermaster-sergeant (in the Cavalry) and the important nature of his duties, he could consider the possibility of raising his pay to 4s. 6d. per diem on appointment, 5s. after three years, and warrant rank with pay after holding the appointment for ten years, the warrant rank to apply to regiments and not to departments?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

Although in the rank of quartermaster-sergeant (Cavalry), as in the other ranks of that arm, the pay is higher than that of the corresponding rank in the Infantry, the pay of both arms of the Service has been increased by 6d. a day since 1881. As regards an increase for length of service in the rank, there appears to be no sufficient reason for introducing it, or for giving warrant rank. The educational qualification for the rank is the same in all arms of the Service; and, beyond the usual higher rates of pay given to Cavalry, there is no reason for treating that arm more favourably than men of corresponding rank in other arms of the Service.