§ 9. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet been able to approve a scheme by which promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery will be accelerated; and, if not, what steps he proposes taking to correct the stagnation which at present exists?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)I am glad to be able to inform the House that a scheme has been approved by which, until normal conditions of promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery are re-established, all lieutenants of that branch may be promoted, if otherwise qualified, on attaining thirteen years' service on the understanding that while supernumerary to the regulated establishment of captains they fill the place and perform the duties of subaltern officers.
§ Colonel YATEIs it not the fact that there is no precedent for fixing the term of thirteen years as now stated by him, and is not twelve years the utmost limit that has hitherto been fixed for this promotion?
§ Colonel SEELYI could not answer that without notice. This is a concession which I thought would meet with approval in all quarters of the House.