§ 81. Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether, when a Territorial regiment goes abroad, all acting appointments are automatically confirmed with the exception of that of regimental sergeant-major; and, if this is so, will he have this Regulation altered, so that these warrant officers may receive substantive rank and their widows and dependants the pension payable to such rank in case of the men's death?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend in the last three lines of the question is based on wrong information. A regimental sergeant-major of a Territorial Force battalion suffers no financial disability from the fact that he holds acting instead of substantive rank. His widow or dependants would not so suffer either in the event of his death.
§ Colonel YATEWill regimental sergeant-majors be given such rank? Is there any reason why he should not?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, there is every reason why he should not. It is a mere question of name. He gets all the emoluments.
§ Colonel YATEWhat is the reason?
§ Mr. TENNANTI will tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman.