§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the Secretary of State for War if all regimental quartermaster-sergeants get the same pension and allowances, but regimental quartermaster-sergeants in the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery are not allowed to be promoted to a commission as quartermaster, although regimental quartermaster-sergeants of the Infantry and Cavalry do get such promotion; and, if so, if he will explain why this distinction is made?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are only nine posts for quartermasters in the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery, and selections to fill them are made from amongst the whole of the warrant officers of those branches. A suitable candidate is found to be always forthcoming. In the Cavalry and Infantry the area of selection for each appointment is more restricted and a quartermaster-sergeant is often the most suitable candidate. As I explained to the Noble Lord on the 1st instant, regimental quartermaster-sergeants in the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery, on promotion to that position, receive a higher classification for allowances and for pension.