§ 32. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has had under his consideration the question of revising the Rules for Promotion in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe subject of promotion in the Indian Army Reserve, of Officers has recently engaged the attention of the Government of India, and they have submitted certain proposals to me, which I have approved. The principal change is that while the Indian Army time-scale of promotion is to be retained as the general rule, Indian Army Reserve officers who are reported fit for accelerated promotion may, on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief in India, be promoted at any time to higher rank. Officers joining the Indian Army Reserve who had previously served in the Army as commissioned officers, will, on joining the Indian Army Reserve, be given the rank in which they left the Army, and will be allowed to count their previous service towards promotion. Second-lieutenants who belonged to the Cavalry branch of the Indian Army 1519 Reserve at the outbreak of war, or who joined it before 7th June, 1915, will be promoted to lieutenant on being detailed to serve with a 'Cavalry unit in the field, arrangements being made whereby such officers shall not supersede Regular officers of the Indian Army with longer service. The Government of India have been requested to send home copies of the revised rules, and the hon. and gallant Member shall be informed as soon as they are received.