§ MR. LAIRDsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to recommend Parliament to grant an increased allowance to the Volunteer Force, as, failing such increased allowance being made, many of those Volunteer Corps, which are composed principally of artizans, must be disbanded?
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONSir, I cannot undertake at this time to state what recommendations Her Majesty's Government may think it their duty to submit to Parliament next year in regard to the increase of the capitation allowance to the Volunteers; but I will repeat what I have before said, that probably the Government will think it their duty to give serious consideration to that Memorial which was presented in the name of a considerable body of officers commanding Volunteers, and stating in the strongest terms that they feared that if the present system were continued it would be necessary that some of the corps should be disbanded. During the recess, with a view to nest year's Estimates, that Memorial shall receive serious consideration.
§ LORD ELCHOPerhaps my right hon. Friend will at the same time consider whether some changes cannot be made in the mode and time of payment.
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONI have no objection to inform my noble Friend that I have already decided on a change in regard to the mode of payment, so that hereafter delay should be impossible. The capitation grant will be paid in the shortest possible time after the number of efficients has been ascertained, and it will be paid to the commanding officer of the corps in conjunction with the finance committee.