Captain MORRISON-BELLasked if in future continuous good service of an officer with his regiment or battalion will not be held as entitling him to obtain command of a regiment or battalion, even if recommended by his commanding officer as being thoroughly capable for the position?
§ Colonel SEELYThe command of a regiment or a battalion is entirely a matter of selection, but, as a matter of fact, the senior officer with the regiment or battalion who has consistently earned strong recommendations as being thoroughly capable, is usually selected for the command.
Captain MORRISON-BELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman know of any case where the rule has not been followed?
§ Colonel SEELYNo; I do not believe that I know of any case in which this rule has not been followed.
Captain MORRISON - BELLasked whether it is the policy of the War Office to pass over for command officers next for command of regiments or battalions who do not hold Staff College certificates but are qualified in every other respect, and to grant them to those that hold these certificates?
§ Colonel SEELYThe reply is in the negative.