HC Deb 27 June 1917 vol 95 cc405-6W
Commander H. CRAIG

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the delay in promotion which has occurred in the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers; whether he can state the last date upon which a promotion from the rank of lieutenant to captain was gazetted in that battalion; and whether he can take any steps to remove the prejudice which is inflicted upon officers in the Special Reserve by reason of their promotion being delayed and junior officers of service battalions being promoted over them?

Mr. FORSTER

The last date on which a promotion to captain in this battalion was gazetted was 4th July, 1916. Since that date no opportunity has occurred for promoting a lieutenant owing to a reduction in the establishment of captains in special reserve battalions. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that this matter has recently been under the consideration of the Committee presided over by my right hon. Friend the Member for Dundee.