§ 64. Viscount WOLMERasked why service in the late Royal Engineer Militia has been allowed to count for promotion in the case of officers of the Royal Engineer Special Reserve?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)Officers of the late Submarine Mining Militia had, as members of units prior to their transfer to the Special Reserves, enjoyed the privilege of promotion to fill vacancies. As on transfer this ceased, the effect was suddenly to retard their prospects of promotion and, as some compensation for this, it was decided to allow commissioned service other than during embodiment or in the field, to count in the few cases where this would give any advantage.
§ Viscount WOLMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position is exactly similar to that of other regiments in the Special Reserve? That being so, why is this particular privilege accorded to the Engineers?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am advised that the service of these Engineers is quite different.