60 Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that many officers commanding regiments in the field are still without the rank and pay to which their duties entitle them; whether he will take immediate steps to have these anomalies removed, having regard to the operation of the present system which places them in an unfavourable position by comparison with officers commanding regiments at Home; (2) whether he is aware that the delay in promoting officers commanding regiments at the front to their proper rank affects the promotion of the officers of each regiment in which the officer commanding is not promoted; what steps will be taken to bring to an end the anomalous position of majors acting for months as officers commanding and of other officers in the regiment performing duties of the ranks above them; and asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (3) when the "Gazette" notifications will be made of the promotions of officers in the field performing the duties of higher rank to that rank?
§ Mr. TENNANTImmediate measures are being taken to give effect to the steps of temporary promotion, in accordance with the declarations already made to the House.