§ Message from Her Majesty brought up, and read by Mr. Speaker (all the Members being uncovered), as follows:—
§ VICTORIA R.
§ The present state of public affairs in the Soudan, and the necessity in connection therewith of taking steps for the defence of Egypt, and for the protection of the interests of the Empire, having constituted in the opinion of Her Majesty a case of great emergency within the meaning of the Acts of Parliament in that behalf, Her Majesty deems it proper to provide additional means for the Military Service: and, therefore, in pursuance of these Acts, Her Majesty has thought it right to communicate to the House of Commons that Her Majesty has by Proclamation ordered the embodiment of Militia.
§ V.R.
§ Ordered, That Her Majesty's Most Gracious Message be taken into Consideration upon Monday 2nd March.
COLONEL STANLEYWith reference to the information communicated to the House, may I ask the noble Marquess whether he is able to inform the House whether it is contemplated that the whole of the Militia, or only a certain portion of it, should be called out?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI was about to say, in order to prevent misapprehension, that although the terms of the Message are the same as in former cases, it is only intended at present to embody two brigades of Militia Artillery, and six battalions of Infantry. The earliest possible Notice will be given of the batteries and regiments it is proposed to embody.
§ MR. M'COANasked whether, in consequence of the calling out of the Militia, any allowance of time would be given in regard to examinations to Militia subalterns who were candidates for commissions in the Army?
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORMight I ask the noble Marques the Secretary of State for War, whether it is the intention of the Government to embody the Irish Militia regiments as well as the English; and, also, whether it is not a fact that several of the Line regiments are very much below the established strength at home?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONIt is proposed to embody one Irish regiment among the six which are to be called out. In answer to the second Question, there is no doubt some battalions of the Line are below their establishment; but I cannot give details on the subject at present. I should like to add that I have every reason to believe that the strength of the Army at home is not below the establishment as a whole.