§ 16. Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, considering that between the 31st July, 1914, and the 31st March, 1915, only fourteen captains in the Royal Army Medical Corps were promoted majors, and during the same period some ninety-seven majors were promoted lieutenant-colonels, he will now take steps to have a corresponding number of captains promoted to the rank of major?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe majors were promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel to fill appointments for officers of that rank. The promotion of captains will be considered as and when majors are required. There is no fixed establishment of the latter rank, and, under ordinary circumstances, promotion to it goes by time qualification.
§ Colonel YATEIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of these captains have for months past been filling posts occupied by majors?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, I do not understand that to be the case as regards the Royal Army Medical Corps.
§ Colonel YATEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether that is not the case?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir.