§ 76. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that seven sergeants of the 2/4th Buffs who had signed the foreign service obligation were sent to join the 3/4th Buffs at Crow-borough, and that they were then reduced to privates and the allowance to their wives and children reduced; whether he is aware- that these men had held their stripes from eighteen months to two years; and is there any special reason why these men on being transferred should be reduced?
§ Mr. FORSTEROn the information contained in the question I can only assume that the men in question were never substantive sergeants, but were acting-sergeants. It has been frequently explained that acting rank is given up when the holder no longer performs the duties of the acting rank. I think this must have happened in the case of these men.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSIs it not a fact that other sergeants transferred have not been reduced in the same manner, and is not the action that has been taken causing serious discontent?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt depends whether the men are acting.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYCan steps be taken to alter the Regulation under which men who have been acting-sergeants for eighteen months are reduced to the ranks?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will have that considered.