HC Deb 17 May 1916 vol 82 cc1519-20
42. Colonel YATE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order that efficient non-commissioned officers of the Line battalions may be encouraged to transfer as regimental sergeant-majors into Territorial battalions, he will consider the advisability of raising the rank of regimental sergeant-majors of Territorial battalions to warrant officers, Class I., instead of Class II., as at present?

Mr. TENNANT

During the time regimental sergeant-majors hold that appointment in the Territorial Force they are regarded as Class I. warrant officers and are entitled to all the financial advantages of pay and allowances (including non-effective rights) according to that rank; and this applies, of course, to any non-commissioned officer of a Line battalion selected for transfer as regimental sergeant-major to a Territorial Force battalion.

Colonel YATE

Does the sergeant-major of a Territorial battalion hold the rank of first-class warrant officer or that of second-class?

Mr. TENNANT

The first class applies to non-commissioned officers of Line battalions who are sent to Territorial Force battalions. I could not answer the actual question put to me by the hon. and gallant Gentleman offhand.