HC Deb 24 February 1871 vol 204 c830
SIR HENRY HOARE

asked the Secretary of State for War, If it is intended after the abolition of Purchase, to continue to mulct each Colonel on his promotion to the rank of Major General in the regulation value of his commission, which would be equivalent to selling the rank of Major General at the price of £4,500?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, by the existing regulations, colonels succeeding to the rank of major general, cannot sell their regimental commissions. It is not intended to recognize any new claims to sell commissions, but simply to enable those who, under existing regulations, have the right to sell out of the service, to realize the value of their commissions on their retirement from the Army.