HC Deb 15 April 1856 vol 141 c1048
COLONEL DUNNE

asked at what time the Government had determined to disband the foreign troops in the British service, whether now in England, in the East, or in any foreign country; and whether such troops, when disbanded, were to receive any advantages of pension or emigration, which would not be granted to British troops of the line or militia?

MR. FREDERICK PEEL

replied, that the foreign levies would be disbanded at as early a period as circumstances would permit. The rights of the troops were regulated entirely by articles and stipulations which were framed when each foreign legion was established, and, of course, the promises which had been made would be strictly fulfilled, Those troops had no claim to pensions, although, on being disbanded, they would be entitled to gratuities, at the rate of three months' pay to the officers, and twelve months' pay to the private soldiers. They were also entitled to a passage, at the cost of Her Majesty's Government, either to their own homes, to British North America, or to the Cape, as they might wish.

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