HC Deb 09 June 1903 vol 123 cc318-9
MR. YOXALL (Nottingham, W.)

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of modifying the terms of the recent Army Order granting the honorary rank † See (4) Debates, cxxi., 223. of Major to inspectors of Army schools on completing fifteen years commissioned service on full pay, seeing that no inspector of Army schools now on the Active List can complete fifteen years such service before reaching the age limit, that the average age on first appointment of all inspectors of Army schools promoted to be such since 1st January 1899 is over forty-four years, and that prior to appointment as such, inspectors of Army schools have rendered exceptionally long service in senior warrant and non-commissioned ranks.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The Army Order in question granted the honorary rank of Major after fifteen years commissioned service on full pay to quartermasters and riding masters as well as inspectors of Army schools. Prior to the Army Order quartermasters and riding masters were granted the rank when in special posts, while inspectors of Army schools were not eligible for the rank. When it was decided to extend occasions for the grant of the privilege to the quartermasters and riding masters, it was also resolved to include the inspectors. It so happens that none of the present inspectors are eligible, but there is no reason to suppose that this will be so in the future. It would, I fear, give ground of complaint if any special advantages were given over the quartermasters and riding masters of the same standing.