§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked whether the whole question of promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery is a matter for the consideration of the Army Council rather than the Commander-in-Chief in the field; and, if so, whether, to save the Commander-in-Chief, the Army Council will review the whole matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe general question of promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery or in any other branch or arm is, of course, a matter for the consideration of the Army Council, in which they would be assisted by the advice of the Commander-in-Chief British Armies in France, if he thought, that any general consideration affecting his forces arose. He has not, so far as I can learn, made any representation. Promotion amongst the permanent officers of the Royal Garrison Artillery has for some time been slow as compared with the rate obtaining in other branches, but the Army Council having reviewed the matter do not consider that it would be right during the course of the War and without knowledge of eventual requirements to fix a new establishment. As regards the temporary officers of the Royal Garrison Artillery, the same rules are applied as in the case of the Royal Field Artillery, so far as they may be applicable as in other arms.