HC Deb 12 July 1915 vol 73 cc647-8
36. Mr. JAMES MASON

asked when the "Gazette" will be published containing the promotions to temporary rank of officers temporarily in command of battalions at the front; whether these promotions will be retrospective, and will cover not only the cases of majors and captains temporarily in command of regiments of Cavalry or battalions of Infantry, but also the cases of captains temporarily performing duties of command properly attached to officers of the rank of major and of lieutenants similarly performing captains' duties; and whether, in the case of officers now reported killed who were entitled to temporary promotion for the above reason, such promotion will be gazetted and carry with it the pay attached to the higher rank for the period during which the officer was performing the duties of that rank, and the pension of higher rank if killed when performing the duties of that rank?

Mr. TENNANT

These promotions are being gazetted as they are reported from France. Promotions will be retrospective and will cover the cases of deceased officers. Officers commanding battalions for thirty days or more will receive one step of temporary rank. Subalterns commanding companies for thirty days or more will get temporary rank of captain. Captains will not be given the temporary rank of major, as captains and majors perform practically identical work. Pensions awarded to widows will be given at the rates laid down for the rank to which these officers are temporarily promoted.

Colonel YATE

Will the widow of a major not be entitled to the pension of a major?

Mr. TENNANT

The widow of the major will be entitled to the pension.

Colonel YATE

If you refuse to promote captains to the rank of major, do you not thereby deprive of the increased pension a lot of ladies who may become widows?

Mr. TENNANT

Captains and majors have always been considered interchangeable. For that reason the step which I previously announced to the House is not considered to be applicable to them.

Colonel YATE

The pensions are not interchangeable.