§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in consideration of the long service and good conduct entailed by those who have risen from the ranks to the position of quartermaster and riding-master in His Majesty's Army, he will consider the advisability of amending the regulations to ensure them substantive rank instead of honorary rank, quicker promotion from the rank of lieutenant, and a higher rate of retired pay.
§ MR. HALDANEIt is not considered that the duties of a quartermaster necessitates the grant of substantive rank, as his appointment as such is held to give him all the authority he requires, and his work during his whole period of service as such is practically the same. As regards promotion the steps of honorary 1562 rank may be regarded as corresponding to the average rate of promotion in the case of officers holding substantive rank. As regards retired pay, as I fully explained in my reply to a Question put by the hon. Member for the Newmarket Division of Cambridgeshire on the 19th February, it has not been thought right to make any increase.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI cannot agree that the average rate of promotion corresponds in the two cases. It is very different.