§ COLONEL C. LINDSAYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, in the event of purchase in the Army being abolished, and, as he has stated, that in order to place the Militia and Regulars under one government something like the same rules and the same system must be applied to them, those officers who are serving in the Army (which is a paid service), and who may be transferred into the Militia (which is not paid except when out for training), are to continue to receive their pay according to their rank; and, if so, from what source will their pay be issued to them; whether any calculation or provision has been made in the Army Estimates for such a contingency; whether it has been determined as to what proportion of Army Officers are to be transferred to Militia Regiments; whether such transfers from the Line to the Militia are only to apply to Officers who wish to go 173 upon half-pay; and, whether such transfers or interchanges are to be compulsory or optional?
§ MR. CARDWELLOfficers in the Army cannot be transferred compulsorily to the Militia, receiving only one month's pay. I think it is probable that many officers will be desirous of going on half-pay after comparatively short service, on condition of serving a time in the Militia, receiving full-pay when embodied or called out for training. It is not determined what number of Army officers will be employed in the Militia, and therefore no special calculation could be made. The half-pay will be borne upon the Non-effective Vote, and the Militia pay upon the Militia Vote. Such officers also as may be appointed to the permanent Staff will receive their pay from that Vote.