§ 1. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War 902 whether the officer recently appointed to command the Cairo cavalry brigade was selected by the Selection Committee; and how many senior officers were passed over by his appointment?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes, Sir." It is not possible to answer the second part of the question until this officer assumes his appointment in September next. Briefly, he will pass over all lieutenant-colonels, both substantive and brevet, now senior to him, but no one of these officers superseded is prejudiced in regard to any further promotion or appointment except in so far as this particular appointment has been filled.
§ Brigadier-General Clifton BrownIs my hon. Friend aware that this officer has been recommended for accelerated promotion for some time and that in the regiment to which he belongs they are delighted, from the colonel downward, that he has been selected for this appointment?
§ Sir A. KnoxIs my hon. Friend quite sure that none of the other commanding officers of cavalry units—about 25 of them—is ready for promotion?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThis appointment carries no reflection upon them whatever.