SIR TOLLEMACHE SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended that when vacancies occur in the rank of Major the senior or any other Captain in the regiment will be appointed, whether such Officer has had any experience in the Regular Army or not; and, if a period of service in the Army is considered necessary, what will be the nature of the qualification; whether in case of an Officer in the Regular Army or on half-pay is offered a commission of similar or higher rank in the Militia he will be allowed the regulation and over-regulation price of his commission in the Line, with the view of accepting such appointment, and whether in that case he will be afterwards eligible for selection to fill any vacancy in the same or in a higher rank in the Regular Army; whether any Officer will be allowed to retire from the Army with the regulation and over-regulation price of his commission if the Medical Officers of his regiment certify that he is unfit for active service, or that remaining would be prejudicial to his health, even although the average number who are to be allowed to retire under the Bill is previously exhausted; is it intended to give the over-regulation as well as the regulation price of the commissions of an Officer killed in battle, or dying of wounds, to the widow and children of such Officer; and, is it intended that Officers should still be liable for the necessary expenses of regimental bands and of drums and fifes?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, Army service is not absolutely necessary for a majority in the Militia, and if the captain has had sufficient service and been well reported on, no objection will be made to his promotion. If the officer sells his commission he will cease to be an officer, and not be eligible for selection in the Regular Army. The present rules of the purchase system will be observed in the sales under the Bill, the object being not to give new rights but fully to indemnify against any injury in respect of rights 661 which now exist. Drums and fifes are provided by the public. It is not intended to make any alteration so far as has at present been determined in respect of bands.