§ Colonel HICKMANasked whether during recent years there have been modifications of the conditions of service in the Royal Garrison Artillery which have adversely affected the promotion of those now holding commissions; and whether he proposes to take any steps to improve matters in this respect?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe block in promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery was almost entirely due to the large reductions in establishment. Any effect that the raising of the retiring age of majors may have had is not peculiar to the Garrison Artillery. Promotion has now recommenced, and it is not proposed to take any special steps in the matter.
§ Colonel HICKMANWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of treating the Royal Garrison Artillery on the same lines as the Royal Engineers, so that subalterns, when they arrive at eleven years' service, should automatically reach the rank of captain?
§ Mr. HALDANEPromotion has been commenced, and I think it will remedy itself very shortly.
§ Mr. LEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that although it may have been commenced the officers who have suffered all these years have not been affected?
§ Mr. HALDANEThat is a fact which is the Royal Garrison not singular to Artillery.