§ SIR H. HAVELOCK-ALLAN (Durham, S.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the large number of Majors, most of whom hold the post of second in command, who are each month being removed from their regiments owing to the operation of the 48 years age clause, he would be prepared to place in the hands of H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief discretionary power which would enable him to recommend the retention in their regiments for a short fixed period after this age is reached, of certain officers who, in the opinion of His Royal Highness, possess special fitness for the position of Regimental or Battalion Commandant?
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, HorncastleYes, Sir; I propose to submit to Her Majesty an alteration in the Warrant which would give a discretionary power of the character described by my hon. and gallant Friend.