55. Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Secretary for War if he will state why the Kent Royal Garrison Artillery is so reorganised that an officer of that corps can never attain a higher rank and command than major commanding a single company, while an officer of a Kent regiment of infantry (Territorial) may rise to commanding a battalion of 1,000 men; and if he proposes to take any steps in the matter in view of the effect of such difference of opportunity and treatment upon the spirit and welfare of the Kent Royal Garrison Artillery?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe reorganisation was carried out on purely military grounds. A group of Royal Garrison Artillery Coast Defence units does not necessarily have a lieutenant-colonel on its establishment, and the Kent Royal Garrison Artillery is not in a special position.
Sir G. PARKERCan the right hon. Gentleman explain to me why he has given two different replies to the same question? On one occasion did he not say that there was no difference between the promotion and status of officers of the Royal Garrison Artillery and of the officers of other branches of the Territorial Force?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think the hon. Member is mistaken—at any rate that was not the intention I had in my mind in the answer I gave.