§ 31. Major BARNETTasked the Secretary of State for War whether temporary officers who have been granted permanent commissions in the Army Pay Department have been given departmental grading above all assistant paymasters irrespective of service or experience; whether any assistant paymasters have been appointed 689 paymasters; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of promoting to the rank of paymasters a number of those officers who are qualified therefor by long and honourable service in the Army Pay Corps and the Army Pay Department?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONA few permanent commissions in the Army Pay Department were recently granted to certain temporary officers who have shown marked ability throughout in the discharge of their important duties. These officers were appointed to these posts, by very rigid selection, from among officers of the Acting Paymaster class. As regards the promotion of Assistant Paymasters, I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member on the 22nd December last.
§ Major BARNETTIs there any reason why some of the Regular soldiers who rendered good service during and before the War should not be given promotion to Paymaster?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI will convey that inquiry.