HC Deb 30 March 1909 vol 3 cc186-7
Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers of the Special Reserve Field Artillery in Ireland, the establishment of which has recently been reduced, will be allowed to transfer to the Special Reserve infantry; if so, whether they will be given any grant to buy the uniform of their new corps; and whether such transference will involve loss of seniority.

Mr. HALDANE

With the exception of officers of the rank of lieutenant-general they will be permitted under the conditions specified in the Special Army Order of the 16th inst. to transfer to units of other branches of the Special Reserve. On transfer to another arm they will be allowed the actual and necessary expenses of change of uniform up to £40. They will retain the date of their appointment in the rank they hold on the date of transfer provided that the officer commanding the unit to which the officer desires transfer has no reasonable grounds for refusing officers of the rank of captain or subaltern may also be placed on the list of supplementary officers of the Royal Field Reserve Artillery, by which means the establishment of officers of that arm can be maintained.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it will not be possible to ensure that these gentlemen will not be out of pocket by the transfer?

Mr. HALDANE

I think it would be very difficult to go beyond £40, which is the largest amount we ever give in the circumstances.