§ 79. Mr. PETOasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether British officers of the Territorial Force and Indian Army receive promotion while prisoners of war, but other British officers do not; and whether he will take steps to secure equal treatment in this respect?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I stated the position as regards promotion of officers of the Regular Army, Special Reserve, and Territorial Force who are prisoners of war, in reply to questions by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York, on the 20th November last and the 13th March, 1917. Officers of the New Army are promoted up to the rank of lieutenant on completion of eighteen months' service when recommended All officers of the New Army who are prisoners of war are placed on the attached list, and an equitable system of 1053 promotion for all officers on the list is at present under consideration. Promotion of officers of the Indian Army is governed by time and is automatic.