CAPTAIN AYLMERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether three Officers of Militia Regiments recently embodied, as well, as a number of other Militia Officers, are serving as privates in irregular corps in Bechuanaland; and, whether, during such absence, any provision has been made for the performance of their home duties?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTLNGTONSome Militia officers are serving as privates in the South African Irregular Force. No Militia officer was allowed to proceed thither without first having obtained the consent of his Commanding Officer to be absent from this year's training. Those belonging to battalions of Militia which have been embodied will be recalled. Pending their return their home duties will, when it is considered necessary, be carried on by other officers.
CAPTAIN AYLMERasked, whether the noble Marquess thought it conducive to the maintenance of discipline in Militia regiments that their officers should be serving abroad as privates?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, that was a Question as to a matter of opinion, and not as to a matter of fact; and as by answering he would only be expressing his individual opinion, he thought it unnecessary that he should reply to the Question.