§ Sir J. JARDINEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether under the existing system of promotion officers of the Territorial battalions who volunteered and were accepted at the beginning of the War for active service and sent to bad climates or ordered to campaigns have in many cases been superseded in substantive rank of lieutenant or captain by officers of the same battalion who did not so volunteer, and who are kept on its cadre without being seconded, although employed in other battalions or appointments on the Staff; and whether he will institute inquiry into such cases?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI understand my hon. Friend to refer to temporary promotion to complete the establishment of the 949W Home service unit. This system of expansion by temporary promotion was the only possible solution in the earlier stages of the War, but such promotion did not involve supersession. It has now become possible to establish a system of permanent promotion, and the Instructions issued last December make it clear that officers, available for Home service only, shall not block promotion.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether it is intended to include the promotion of officers in the Indian Army in the scope of the Committee which is to be set up to inquire into the questions relating to the promotion of officers in the New Armies and Territorials?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe answer is in the negative, as this is a matter resting entirely with the India Office.
§ Sir F. BLAKEasked whether the officers of the Territorial Force are represented upon the Commission recently appointed to inquire into the question of promotion in the Army; and, if so, in what way?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes, Sir. Colonel Lord Burnham, Bucks Yeomanry, is a member of the Committee.