§ MR. GOURLEYsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, If it be correct that Field Officers of the Army who have retired on half-pay, leaving the full value of their commissions in the hands of the War Office, subject to the right of selling out before reaching the age of sixty years, have had the said privilege withdrawn irrespective of length of service?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, I have already stated that in 1861 a regulation was introduced by which half-pay officers are enabled, when the Reserve Fund is sufficient, to sell their commissions. The regulation expressly says—
As the funds at the disposal of the Secretary of State for War for this purpose are limited, when the funds are expended no further sales will be allowed.In consequence of the recent reductions, the Reserve Fund is not in a condition at present to purchase half-pay commissions.