Mr. DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for War how many promotions from the ranks have taken place during the past 12 months; how many rankers who obtained commissions during the War have been promoted during the period named, and what is the highest rank so attained; and what allowance is granted 1763W to the officers indicated to enable them to fill the position properly and without running the risk of being placed in an invidious position through lack of private means?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLDuring the past 12 months seven permanent commissions in the Regular Army have been granted to soldiers serving in the ranks. It is not possible, without an undue amount of labour, to answer the second part of the hon. Member's question, as no distinction is made between officers promoted from the ranks and others in the records of promotions kept in my Department. As regards the last part of the question, officers promoted from the ranks during the War were granted an allowance of £50 to provide service dress only, the balance of the pre-War allowance being held back until full and mess dress should be re-introduced. Proposals for increasing the outfit allowance in this connection are at present under consideration.