§ CAPTAIN CARINGTONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is to be understood from the recent general order on recruiting, that no pensions are to be awarded to soldiers enlisted after the date of that order who may be disabled by the effects of climates in which they may be called upon to serve, or disabled by wounds; whether soldiers enlisted for twelve years will be forced after the expiration of six years' service with their regiment to pass into the reserve; and, whether twelve years is the maximum number of years' service to be allowed in future in the Army?
§ MR. CARDWELL, in reply, said, that soldiers disabled from service by wounds, or the effects of climate, would certainly continue to receive pensions; but they would be required, of course, to perform their engagements. At the present moment the only engagement a soldier entered into was six years with the colours and six with the Reserve. Twelve years was the maximum period of service under the Enlistment Act, and soldiers would not be entitled, as a matter of right, to serve for a longer period. Soldiers enlisted for short service might at their own desire, and with the permission of the military authorities, be allowed to serve for a longer period, and there would always be a number remaining in the Army after 12 years' service as non-commissioned officers.