COLONEL DUNNEsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether the Government have come to a decision on the subject of Retiring Allowances to Barrack Masters, as promised last Session; whether any inquiry has been instituted on the subject; and whether he will lay the Report of the persons employed to make such inquiry upon the Table of the House, together with the decision of the War Department, if any has been made?
MR. T. G. BARINGsaid, he thought the hon. and gallant Member was under some misapprehension in supposing that any promise had been made last year with respect to the granting of retiring allowances to Barrack Masters. He (Mr. Baring) could not find that any such promise had been given. Hon. Members, however, who took an interest in the subject would perhaps recollect that the Government, two years ago, had pledged themselves to consider the question of the claims put forward on behalf of the Barrack Masters; and since that time a considerable amendment had been effected in their position, by the Royal Warrant of the 7th of February, 1860. There had been no special inquiry into the subject of the retiring allowances of Barrack Masters; but a suggestion had been made that commissions should be granted to them which would involve an alteration in the system of their retiring allowances. The subject was still under consideration, and had been referred to a Departmental Committee. It was not usual nor, he (Mr. Baring) thought, expedient to lay before the House the Reports of such Committees.