HC Deb 30 March 1885 vol 296 cc975-6
COLONEL STANLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether steps will be taken, without delay, to cause it to be publicly notified what classes of the Reserve it is intended to call to the colours, in order to prevent unnecessary abandonment of civil labour, and the consequent breaking up of the men's homes; and, whether he will forthwith address, to the employers of Reserve men who are called up for service, and of Militia men belonging to battalions which are embodied, a request that they will, in the public interest, endeavour to take such men back into their employ when the present national emergency is at an end.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

The earliest practicable announcement will be made of the classes, or portions of classes, of the Army or Militia Reserve which it is intended to call out under the Proclamation. As Parliament was about to adjourn for a short time, and also as Her Majesty was about to be absent for a time from the country, it was considered desirable that the Messages to Parliament and the Proclamation should not be delayed; but the requirements of the Military Authorities, especially in India, have not yet been fully ascertained. There will be no delay which can be avoided in giving notice to the Reserve men concerned. I do not think that there would be any use in issuing such a Circular to the employers of Reserve men as appears to be suggested by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman; but I trust that they will, in a spirit of patriotism, make such arrangements as may be possible, in order to prevent men called up in discharge of their duty permanently losing their employment. Instructions will be issued to general officers and officers commanding regimental districts to take all possible measures in communication with employers of labour for promoting this object.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, in case any men in the Reserve were also employed in the Metropolitan Police, he would consider whether they should not be reinstated in their proper places in the event of their not being required?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

said, he would take the matter into consideration.