HC Deb 18 May 1900 vol 83 cc573-4
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the appointment of two gentlemen from other regiments who have not been on active service in the present war in South Africa, to the posts of lieutenant-colonels in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, will have the effect of retarding the promotion of Irish gentle- † See page 391 of this volume. ‡ See The Parliamentary Debates [Fourth Series], Vol. lxxxii., p. 753. men of the rank of majors and captains so long that they will have to leave the service before obtaining the promotion to which in ordinary course they would have-succeeded; and whether he will consider the advisability of providing that the gaps caused by death among the officers of this Irish regiment shall be filled by officers of the regiment who have recently been engaged in active service.

* MR. WYNDHAM

I have nothing to add to my replies to previous questions put by the hon. Member on the same subject. The selection rests with the Commander-in-Chief and Army Board, whose discretion the Secretary of State for War does not propose to fetter in the manner suggested.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is the greatest dissatisfaction among the officers of this regiment at being passed over and War Office favourites being put over their heads?

[No answer was given.]