§ 25. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for War how many officers were promoted from the ranks last year, and in what proportion the number stands to the total number of officers; whether in regard to promotions it is ever accounted a bar to a soldier, otherwise efficient and eligible, that he does not possess what is conventionally called good blood; and, if so, whether he proposes to take steps to secure that in future promotions in the Army shall depend on merit only?
§ Colonel SEELYThe number of commissions granted from the ranks amounted to seventy-four, and the total number of commissions granted amounted to 736. Whenever a non-commissioned officer is recommended and fulfils the conditions laid down in the Army Council's instructions to Article 2 of the Royal Warrant for Pay, 1276 etc., he is invariably promoted. The instructions make no reference to social status and such a consideration should not enter into the question in any way.
§ Mr. J. WARDCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any information as to when he is going to look into this question, as he promised?
§ Colonel SEELYI am anxiously considering it.
§ Mr. LYNCHHas the right hon. Gentleman ever taken the opinion of practical soldiers who have really been through the mill as to the kind of men by whom they would prefer to be led if in a tight corner?
§ Colonel SEELYI have had a great many conversations with practical soldiers on this question.
§ 26 and 27. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for War (1) in regard to Infantry officers of the line, at what rank it becomes possible for an officer to live on his pay; and what is the average time taken to attain this rank after obtaining a commission; and (2) the date on which the rate of pay for Infantry officers of the line was fixed; whether he can give a rough estimate of the relative cost of living at that epoch as compared with the present; whether, out of 5s. 3d. per diem received by a second lieutenant, that officer must buy his kit, pay a mess bill which amounts to 4s. a day for food alone, without beverages, pay servants' wages, upkeep of uniform, laundry, and various subscriptions which are practically obligatory; and whether steps will be taken which will make it possible in future for an officer to live on his pay?
§ Colonel SEELYThe pay of 5s. 3d. now drawn by the second lieutenant of Infantry is the rate granted to Ensigns in 1806. The War Office has no sources of information as to comparative cost of living at that period and the present. The hon. Gentleman will find much valuable information concerning the points raised in his question in the Report of Lord Stanley's Committee presented to Parliament in 1903 (Cd. 1421). The whole question of the pay and expenses of Army officers is receiving my anxious consideration.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has ever inquired how it is that French and German officers, whose pay, I believe, is less are able to live on their pay?
§ Colonel SEELYI have consulted foreign officers of distinction on this very question, but I cannot make a reply upon it in the course of question and answer.