COLONEL GILPINsaid, he rose to ask the Secretary of State for India, Whether he still adheres to his determination of not enlarging his Retirement List of Officers of long service, but still of less than twenty years' service, who are now receiving Indian pay, but for whom no employment can be found; whether it is intended to post any Officers to the newly-raised regiments; and whether there is any chance of the Dhar prize money being shortly distributed?
MR. T. G. BARINGsaid, in the absence of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, he had to inform the hon. Gentleman that no representations had been received from the Government of India to the effect that it would be desirable to increase the number of retirements, and at present it was not intended to increase them. With respect to the second question, he presumed the hon. Gentleman meant the new infantry and cavalry of the line. The India Office was in expectation of receiving by every mail a list of the officers, and the matter rested with the Commander-in-Chief in India. With respect to the last Question, the principle for the distribution of the Dhar prize money had been decided by the Treasury, and steps had been taken for the preparation of the Queen's warrant, which had been delayed in consequence of the illness of the Queen's Advocate. At present the matter was in the hands of the Admiralty Advocate, and he believed there would be no further delay.