HC Deb 29 October 1918 vol 110 cc1268-9
16. Sir F. BLAKE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a general promotion list for officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Force, has now been prepared and published; and whether he will state the authorised establishment of colonels, lieutenant-colonels and majors in that force, and the existing number in each rank?

Mr. MACPHERSON

In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Promotion of Officers in the Special Reserve, New Armies, and Territorial Force, a seniority list has been prepared for all officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) other than the administrative and à la suite staffs of Territorial Force General Hospitals and the Sanitary Service. This list is included in the Army List. The establishment authorised is—

Colonels 19
Lieutenant-Colonels 107
and the existing numbers of officers of these ranks are—
Colonels 8
Lieutenant-Colonels 75
Promotion to the rank of major being governed by a time-qualifying period, the establishment for this rank is not limited. The actual promotions consequent upon the determination of the establishments to which I have referred are under consideration, and will be published as soon as possible after the receipt of the information which it is essential to obtain from the various theatres of war where the officers concerned are serving.

Sir F. BLAKE

IS it contemplated to take early steps to complete the establishment of colonels and lieutenant colonels?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I believe so.

15. Sir FRANCIS BLAKE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difference in pay, allowances, and gratuities between contract officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps and officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force); and whether these two services can be placed upon an equality in these respects?

24. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the question of increasing the pay of Territorial Royal Army Medical Corps officers, who are in a worse position, as regards pay, than both the temporary-commissioned officers and the Regular Royal Army Medical Corps officers?

Mr. FORSTER

I can add nothing to my reply to a similar question on 21st February last, of which I am sending copies to my hon. Friends.