§ Colonel CHALONERasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether captains commanding transport and supply columns to the mounted brigade, Territorial Force, have no opportunity of rising to higher rank than that of captain, and have to retire compulsorily after four years' service, except in those cases where their command is extended for another year; and if he will state if there are any reasons against the appointment of a general staff, as in the case of the Army Service Corps thus giving officers the opportunity of rising to the rank of colonel?
§ Colonel SEELYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There are no senior posts within the mounted brigade, in which such an officer serves, to which he could be promoted. As regards the second part of the question, in view of the fact that a Territorial Force officer's military work must necessarily be located in the vicinity of his residence or place of business, the proposal in the question is not considered advisable.