§ Mr. SALTERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the third line Territorial battalions are commanded by majors, although the first and second line battalions are commanded by lieutenant-colonels; and on what grounds this discrimination is justified?
§ Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether consideration has been given to the case of those officers commanding third line Territorial battalions; and whether, in view of the strength of these battalions being often about 1,000 strong, and their training, etc., furnishing drafts direct for battalions at the front, it is intended to give only major's rank to the officers commanding these battalions?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe answer to the first part of Question No. 6 is in the affirmative. The third line battalion is not in the same position as the first and second line battalions, and its normal establishment is much less. I am aware that the strength of some of the third line battalions is at present in excess of establishments, but these battalions will, before long, be reduced to their normal establishment—which is two companies. The rank of the officer commanding has been fixed with reference to the normal establishment, and it is not proposed to alter it.