HC Deb 05 August 1859 vol 155 cc1085-6

Order for Committee read.

House in Committee.

COLONEL TAYLOR

said, he had been informed that the officers of those militia regiments which had been called out for twenty-one days' drill had been charged income tax upon their pay. He was afraid that such deductions from the miserable pay of a militia officer would make the service unpopular.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that the officers of the Revenue Department had no option but to call upon them to pay the income tax on all their incomes; and neither those officers nor himself had the slightest power to grant exemption or order a remission.

COLONEL WILSON PATTEN

suggested, that the war authorities should carry out a suggestion of great value contained in the Report of the Militia Committee, to secure the best men who had served five years in the militia for the regular force. There were no fewer, he believed than 20,000 who had served their fifth year in the militia, and who might most serviceably be retained for the regular service; though he believed under present regulations they were not likely to be induced to enter the militia again.

Bill passed through Committee.

House resumed.

Bill reported without Amendment.