§ COLONEL C. LINDSAYasked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to a statement made by him, If he will state what will be the rate or rates of pension to which soldiers are to be entitled if disabled during their six years with the colours, and for what period of time will such pensions continue; whether it is to be understood that soldiers will be obliged to fulfil their twelve years' engagement before they receive any pension at all, notwithstanding they become disabled during their first period of six years with the colours; and, whether it is to be understood by recruits that the minimum period of their service with the colours will be bonâ fide six years, and that it will not be reducible on any account or by any authority, except in case of disability from service or wounds, or for misconduct, as at present dealt with?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, the rate and period will, as at present, be determined by the Commissioners of Chelsea. If disabled, the soldiers will evidently be unable to fulfil the residue of the original engagement; and, of course, they will not be required to do so. The engagement will be dealt with as at present; and in the fourth section of the Act of last year provision is made for its being varied in certain cases, with the soldiers' free assent.