LORD HARRISasked the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether he will take into consideration the advisability of distributing a few commissions amongst Militia lieutenants now serving with Methuen's Horse in South Africa? The noble Lord said, many of those officers volunteered under the idea that their absence in South Africa would not spoil their chance of getting commissions; and he hoped that the noble Earl would be able to return a satisfactory answer to the Question, and that those who were unable to pass the requisite standard equally with those who were would share in those commissions.
THE EARL OF MORLEYIn addition to the 75 commissions granted half-yearly to Militia candidates, Line commissions have been offered to all Militia candidates who have not been successful in the last and in previous competitive examinations in military subjects, but who have obtained at these examinations the number of marks required to qualify them for commissions, provided that they were under 22 years of age on January 1, 1884. These offers have, of course, been made to any qualified Militia officers who may be serving under Sir Charles Warren in South Africa. Six Militia officers serving with Sir Charles Warren are so qualified. Three of them have already received commissions in Line battalions at the Cape, and three more will shortly be
LORD INCHIQUINurged that the War Office would do well to stretch the limit of age a little further.
LORD ELLENBOROUGHsaid, that it had always been held by medical men 1273 that 23 was the age at which they would be most fit.