§ 9. Mr. HIGHAMasked what promotion is open for an armourer-sergeant who renders distinguished service at the front; and whether there is any promotion for meritorious and long service, and, if so, what promotion?
§ Mr. TENNANTPromotion for distinguished service in the field is granted under the provisions of Article 1231 of the Pay Warrant. The promotion of armourer-sergeant depends on a vacancy existing in the establishment of the next senior rank. There is no promotion specially for meritorious or long service, but an armourer-staff-sergeant, if he fulfils certain qualifications, becomes eligible for selection for promotion to armourer-quartermaster-sergeant, and afterwards to armourer-sergeant-major. A small establishment of assistant-inspectors of armourers has been approved with the honorary rank of lieutenant, and promotion to this establishment is made by selection from the armourer section of the Army Ordnance Corps. There is no other class of commission for which armourer-sergeants are eligible. I would also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chatham on the 19th July.