§ 15. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for War how many quartering commandants have been accorded the rank of lieutenant-colonel and been instructed to wear command signs whilst they are paid as regimental majors; and whether he will take the necessary steps to secure that, after 21 days, pay follows the grant of rank and that quartering commandants and assistant quartering commandants receive the staff pay of their rank?
§ Sir J. GriggSixty-eight quartering commandants have been accorded the local rank of lieutenant-colonel. This rank is given to confer additional status on them in dealing with civil authorities and other bodies. It is not given because they have greater responsibilities than majors, and they therefore continue to be paid as majors. This question and the question of granting them staff pay have been exhaustively examined, and I am advised that the duties and responsibilities of these officers, whether considered in themselves or in comparison with other officers, do not justify a departure from the present rules.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that officers of the Claims Commission with similar responsibilities are better treated as regards rank and staff pay and will he try to get similarity of treatment between the two branches of the staff?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is what I always try to do. The War Establishment Committee exists to secure parity of treatment.