HC Deb 27 June 1916 vol 83 cc715-6
17. Major WALTER GUINNESS

asked 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. TENNANT

The 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. GUINNESS

Is 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. TENNANT

It 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 GUINNESS

Could the right hon. Gentleman in this matter of temporary—

Mr. SPEAKER

That scarcely arises; it is more a matter for Debate.