HC Deb 14 June 1881 vol 262 cc465-6
SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

asked the Secretary of State for War, What compensation he proposes to make to those officers who, relying on the assurances given by Lord Cardwell and other members of Government in 1871, that their position, pecuniary or otherwise, would not be affected by the changes then made, have sunk the regulation price of their lieutenant colonel's commission (£4,500), and have remained in the Army with the prospect of future employment, but who will, according to the new regulation, be compelled to retire under the fifty-eight years of age rule, or under the five years' non-employment rule?

MR. CHILDERS

When my hon. and gallant Friend reads the second Memorandum, he will find that the rule as to the compulsory retirement of colonels at 58 has been relaxed. Colonels who were lieutenant colonels before October 1, 1877, when retired after the 1st of July, will be allowed special rates of pension having regard to such prospects of succeeding to the honorary colonelcy of a regiment as may be affected by the, change. Provision for this will be made in the new Warrant.