§ 17. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether majors commanding temporarily British 1876 Infantry battalions left in India are not given the temporary rank of lieutenant-colonel, as is usual elsewhere; whether their wives in the event of their being killed on active service in frontier fights, which are now not unusual, thus qualify for lower pensions; whether it is usual to gazette to the rank of temporary lieutenant-colonel after one month's tenure of command; and whether there is any reason for discrimination against officers holding temporary commands in India?
§ Mr. TENNANTI would suggest that the hon. Member should address this question to the India Office. I am not unacquainted with the position of the matter, but as the cost involved in doing what is suggested would fall on Indian funds it is not for me to make any pronouncement.