HC Deb 11 April 1913 vol 51 cc1515-6W
Mr. GLAZEBROOK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on 1st September, 912, eighteen companies, Royal Garrison Artillery, were deficient of a captain, and that by the end of May, 1913, there will be eighty-one subalterns, Royal Garrison Artillery, with thirteen years' service; and, if so, why eighteen have not been promoted to the rank of captain?

Colonel SEELY

All vacancies available for promotion are filled at the earliest opportunity. There are usually a number of vacancies in the Royal Artillery that have to be kept open for some time to allow the restoration of officers under Article 78 of the Pay Warrant. There are also a number of unposted officers, attending courses, etc., who cover vacancies in companies. On the date in question there were twenty vacancies among the captains, but there were then seventeen unposted captains. The other three vacancies had to be kept for captains returning from the seconded list, but became available later on for promotion and were so filled in due course.