§ Mr. MILDMAYasked whether, in view of the number of subalterns in the Royal Garrison Artillery with 11½ years service, there was any intention of continuing the process of promotion initiated in the carly part of the year, but arrested in June?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)The promotions which have been made since the commencement of the year were due to normal circumstances, and the number of such promotions, which was thirty-six, was quite up to the average. The question of promotion in this branch is now under consideration.
§ Mr. MILDMAYIs it a fact that previously to September, 1910, there had been no promotions from the rank of subaltern for two years, with the result that the first ninety on the list of subalterns have eleven years service; and will he consider the possibility of assimilating the conditions in this connection with those prevailing in the Royal Engineers, whereby promoting is automatic after ten and a-half years service?
§ Colonel SEELYThe whole question is under consideration. We have realised that there is a certain hardship owing to the age which these officers attain before they are promoted.
§ Mr. MILDMAYIs there likely to be an early result from that consideration which has been going on for a very long time?