MR. NEWDIGATE (Warwickshire, Nuneaton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are at present in the Royal Artillery only 130 first lieutenants serving as against 435 second lieutenants; 682 whether the second lieutenants in question often have to perform the duty of first lieutenants, but only receive second lieutenant's pay; and whether the military authorities will now be willing to alter the rule which precludes second lieutenants in the Royal Artillery and Engineers from receiving promotion till they have served for three years in the Army, whereas no such rule is in force as regards cavalry and infantry.
* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMSIn the horse, field, and garrison artillery, there are 221 first lieutenants and 808 second lieutenants. The first and second lieutenants perform the same duties. It is, however, manifestly of importance that the senior subalterns, who frequently perform captain's duties, should have higher rank. The question of the promotion of second lieutenants referred to in the third paragraph is under consideration.