HC Deb 15 February 1861 vol 161 c483
MR. PERRY WATLINGTON

wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether the Government intend to permit the Yeomanry Cavalry to assemble this year for eight days' permanent duty, and to grant the usual pay for that period. That information was now being most anxiously looked for by about 14,000 as loyal Volunteers as any that existed in the country. Last year the Yeomanry were not only not called out, but the money usually voted for that body was diminished from £80,000 to £45,000; and it was to be regretted that the money thus kept back was that which was devoted to the training and discipline of the men. He thought that the course which the Government had pursued in relation to this matter would, if persisted in, not only impair their efficiency and weaken their discipline, but would go far to ruin the force altogether. The Yeomanry had witnessed the Volunteer movement with great interest, and had rejoiced in its success; and he could not but think that the dissatisfaction they had expressed at their not being called out was extremely reasonable. He was very anxious that the intimation of the Goverment should be given as quickly as possible.