§ MR. DAWSON DAMERsaid, he would beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, If, in consequence of the term of service of so many "ten years'" men in the Army expiring in 1864–5, the Government is prepared with any proposition by which they may secure the services of these old soldiers for a further period of eleven years, or, through them, making a sort of reserve in addition to the Pensioners?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONreplied, that a very large number of men were enlisted in 1854 for ten years'service, on account of the Crimean war, and they would be entitled to their discharge this year. Measures had been and still were under the consideration of the Government for inducing a large number of them to re-enlist. The apprehensions which appeared to be entertained of a large loss to the army were unfounded, and he would take an early opportunity of explaining on the Army Estimates how the matter really stood.
General PEELsaid, he wished to know when the Returns on this subject which had been moved for would be laid on the table?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, they were now in course of preparation, and would be produced as early as possible.