§ Captain Pluggeasked the Secretary of State for War whether, under the present arrangements, a non-commissioned officer re-enlisting from the Army Reserve must revert to sapper, private or equivalent rank, which means losing the beneficial results of his previous promotion and the accrued seniority necessary for further promotion; and, if so, whether, when he next reviews this matter, he will consider some alteration to assist this type of man?
§ Sir V. WarrenderArmy reservists who voluntarily rejoin the colours to complete their current engagements do so on the understanding that they rejoin in the rank of private or equivalent rank. After they have rejoined they are eligible for promotion on an establishment basis, as vacancies occur, save in a minority of cases where promotion is on a time basis. Any departure from this arrangement would be liable to cause an excess over establishment in the non-commissioned ranks of the unit concerned, and block the promotion of serving soldiers.