§ Major NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War why riding-masters and other officers holding honorary rank, and who hold appointments as adjutants, are not eligible for the rank of acting captain; and why these honorary ranks cannot now be abolished?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAu officer holding honorary rank is not entitled to military command, except over such officers and men as may be specially placed under his command. He is, therefore, normally debarred from holding the appointment of adjutant. In certain cases, such as prisoners of war camps, where the duties of adjutant are quite different from those in a combatant unit, an officer holding honorary, rank is allowed to combine the duties of adjutant and quartermaster. In regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 12th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh East.