HC Deb 27 July 1877 vol 236 cc11-2
MR. CHILDERS

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, before proposing in Committee of Supply a sum for improving Army Promotion and Retirement during the year 1877–8, he will lay upon the Table an Estimate of the ultimate cost of the Scheme?

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

Sir, the scheme, as my right hon. Friend is well aware, has only recently come back from the two Offices to whom it was referred. Some changes have been made which will require that the actuaries should go into the calculations previously made. I have every reason to expect that in two or three days I shall be able to lay the scheme before Parliament.

MR. CHILDERS

When will the Estimate for the current year be circulated?

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

No doubt about the same time.

MR. CHILDERS

And what time will elapse between the presentation of the Estimate and the Vote to be taken in Committee?

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

That is a question I cannot answer, because the Business of the House is not in my hands. Other Business will prevent its being brought on on Monday.

In reply to Mr. TREVELYAN,

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

said, he would not be able to bring forward the Motion on Monday.