§ 67. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many of the civilians permanently employed in the Army Ordnance service during the War have carried out important duties pertaining to the permanent ordnance depots, that for these services some of them have been highly commended by the War Office, but no promotions to posts higher than storeholders in the stores branch and foreman writers in the clerical branch have yet been made; and will he consider, in view of the services rendered by these men and seeing that many were mentioned in dispatches, the possibility of introducing a scheme of promotion allowing employés to advance to superior positions in the ordnance service?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)The good services rendered by the civilians of the 2008 Army Ordnance Department are fully recognised. The store holders and foremen writers are already at the top of their respective trees, and the administrative posts above them are necessarily of a military character to which it would not be possible to promote civilians.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that they do not agree with that statement?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware of that.