§ Mr. GEORGE GREENWOODasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether promotions in the Army Pay Department are submitted to a committee of selection or whether they are made by the authority of one official only, or who is responsible for such promotions; whether he is aware that twenty-three staff paymasters, five of whom had been previously appointed acting chief paymasters, have recently been passed over for the grade of chief paymaster; whether he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction in the Army Pay Department in this matter; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made concerning it?
§ Mr. FORSTERPromotions in the Army Pay Department are made under my authority. The recent promotions to the 1021W acting rank of chief paymaster were on account of the onerous nature of the charge of certain regimental pay offices owing to War expansion. An officer selected for the permanent grade of chief paymaster must possess special qualifications, and the recent selection was governed by this consideration.