§ 10. Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state what is the allowance for motors made to Yeomanry adjutants in the Western Command who are required to make a census of horses in their district; and how this allowance compares with the amount granted for the same purpose last year?
§ Colonel SEELYThe allowance made is that laid down in paragraph 364A, 364B, and 364E, Allowance Regulations, according to the circumstances of the case. The allowance is the same as was granted under similar conditions last year.
§ 15. Mr. WHELERasked whether In fantry officers who are adjutants of Territorial regiments and cyclist corps are employed in the duty of classification of horses for Army purposes; and whether there is any test of fitness to carry out this work?
§ Colonel SEELYThe adjutants in question are employed on the classification of horses when the general officer commanding-in-chief considers that they have the necessary qualifications.
§ 16. Mr. WHELERasked whether officers engaged in the work of classification of 218 horses for Army purposes are periodically informed of any removals of horses from their districts; and, if not, what arrangements are made to prevent horses being classified in two or more districts; and whether owners of horses are compelled to part with their animals, if required, on mobilization?
§ Colonel SEELYHorses are classified once a year, and, as far as possible, in all counties at the same period of the year. Of the quotas allotted for mobilisation 25 per cent, extra numbers are included to cover such comparatively rare cases as those mentioned in the question. As regards the last part of the question the reply is in the affirmative.
§ 17. Colonel YATEasked whether considering the fact that twelve years has hitherto been the longest period fixed for promotion by length of service of lieutenants to the rank of captain, the Secretary for War will now take into consideration the question of fixing twelve years instead of thirteen as the period in which lieutenants in the Royal Garrison Artillery should be promoted, if otherwise qualified?
§ Colonel SEELYAs I have already explained to the House, this is merely a temporary expedient to relieve the congestion amongst the subalterns in the Royal Garrison Artillery. It is not considered necessary to reduce this period of qualification in the direction suggested.
§ Sir H. CARLILECan the right hon. Gentleman say how long the period is likely to last?
§ Colonel SEELYI should not like to say that off-hand. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a specific question.
§ Colonel YATEIs there any reason why this temporary expedient should not follow the previous precedent in the matter?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not know to what previous precedent the hon. and gallant Member refers, but it must have been a temporary expedient for relieving congestion in exceptional circumstances, namely, the South African war.
§ Mr. PRETYMANWill the Secretary for War also take into consideration the case of the Mounted Artillery, whose promotion is equally congested?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is an unfortunate circumstance that there is this congestion. It is nobody's fault, and we are endeavouring to remedy it as best we can.