COLONEL LINDSAYsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with reference to his statement on Army Estimates, that "there will be no claim to re-engagement, but it will not be prohibited," Whether the good conduct and healthy soldier will be allowed to re-engage, if he wishes, under the Army Enlistment Act; and to ask for an explanation of the principle of the qualifying test by which the proposal to increase the Capitation Grant to the Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Volunteer Service is to be guided, and of the calculation by which the proposed extra Grant would be equal to an additional 5s. per man over the whole force?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, when a man has engaged to serve six years with the colours and six with the Reserves, he will have no claim to vary the engage 951 ment; but if he desires to serve longer, and the military authorities wish to retain him, the two parties may enter into a new engagement, and the soldier may go on for 12 years, and afterwards to 21 years and pension. With regard to the second part of the Question, I have to say that it is proposed to publish Regulations which shall insure that every officer and non-commissioned officer who draws the £2 10s. shall have a thorough acquaintance with, and be able to give instruction in, the drill of a company in all its branches, and such a knowledge of "musketry instruction" as will enable him to conduct the practice of a squad with safety and regularity. £2 10s. to eight officers is equal to 5s. to 80 individuals, but is more advantageous to the corps, as there is a better prospect of the whole being earned. A field officer will be able to earn the increased grant on obtaining a certificate from the inspecting officer of his competency as a field officer.