§ 17. Major WALTER GUINNESSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether in the Territorial Force and New Armies field companies of Royal Engineers are invariably commanded by majors, whereas in the Royal Engineers of the Regular Army, although the establishment equally provides for a major to command such companies, no captains are promoted even to temporary rank while holding such appointment; and will he say why, if it is necessary for an officer commanding a field company to have the rank of field officer in the case of the Territorial Force and the New Armies, there is an equal case to give Regular officers the same temporary standing?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe hon. and gallant Member correctly states in the first part of his question the usual practice, although it is not invariable. The answer to the second part of the question is that promotion in the Royal Engineers (Regular) is carreid out regimentally as a whole and not by individual units.
§ Major W. GUINNESSIs it not time to recognise that we have only one Army for the purposes of the War, and to do away with the preference which is now given to the Territorial Forces over the old Armies in the matter of temporary promotion?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is a very difficult problem which the hon. and gallant Gentleman raises. I am unaware that undue preference has been given to the Territorial Forces.
§ Major GUINNESSCould the right hon. Gentleman in this matter of temporary—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat scarcely arises; it is more a matter for Debate.