§ SIR PATRICK O'BRIENmoved an Address for a Return of all appointments made on the Staff, including military appointments at the Horse Guards and War Office, from the year 1855 to 1867 inclusive, and other particulars. The grant of the Returns would go far to remove the jealousy felt as to appointments held for a longer period than five years, with reference to which a very natural feeling of umbrage existed in the breasts of many officers that through the non-observance of the regulations they should be excluded from employments which they deemed themselves, and were deemed by others, perfectly qualified to fill. He understood the Secretary of State for War objected to allowing the "special circumstances" for the re-appointments to appear in the Return, on the ground that it would be injurious to the public service. He confessed that he was unable to comprehend on what ground this objection was made.
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Amendment proposed,
To leave out from the word "That" to the end of the Question, in order to add the words "an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that She will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House, a Return of all appointments made on the Staff, including Military Appointments at Horse Guards and War Office, from the year 1855 to 1867, inclusive, and where such appointments have been held for a period longer than five years, or where on the termination of the term of one Staff Appointment or Military Appointment as aforesaid, the late holder has been within six months appointed to another Staff Appointment; stating the 'special circumstances' for such reappointment, as mentioned in Article 106, Section 2, of the Royal Warrant of February 3rd 1866, according to the following tabular form:—
§ Question proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question."
1431§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, the hon. Baronet had applied to him, in the first instance, to know whether the Return would be granted as an unopposed Motion. He replied that he was quite willing to grant the Return, with the exception of the last column, which was headed as follows:—"Special circumstances for re-appointment over five years, or for appointment to a new appointment." When a rule of this kind as to a statement of special circumstances was in existence it ought to be observed. Holding the position he did, he was responsible for its observance. For the most part the rule had been fairly observed. When the rule was first established exception was made with respect to officers then holding certain appointments, and in other cases there were circumstances which had induced some relaxation. But, on the whole, the rule had been very fairly observed. If the Return were given with the last column filled up, it would have an invidious aspect. He hoped the hon. Baronet would be content with the assurance he gave as responsible Minister of the Department that the rule should be observed unless there were special reasons to the contrary. He was prepared to grant the Return moved for, except the last column.
§ SIR PATRICK O'BRIENsaid, that he would accept the Return in its restricted form.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Question again proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."