§ Mr. MORTONasked the Secretary of State for War whether Article 21, Royal Warrant, 1907, allowing officers who have been promoted from the ranks half their rank service to count for promotion is still in force; whether there are line officers now serving as lieutenants who were promoted from the ranks in 1902, and whose qualifying service for promotion to the rank of captain in some cases exceeds 9 years; whether steps are being taken to promote these officers; and when are they likely to be promoted?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. F. D. Acland) (for the Secretary of State for War)Article 21 is still in force; it applies to cases of time promotion and extra-regimental promotion. Four of the officers promoted from the ranks in 1902, who have passed for promotion, have more than 10 years' service to reckon with the aid of Article 21. None of these four have been specially recommended for promotion, and consequently it is not intended to promote them out of their turn. It cannot be stated 1980 when they are likely to be promoted. I may add that of 15 extra-regimental promotions from lieutenant to captain between 1st January, 1906, and the present date eight have been given to officers originally appointed from the ranks.