HC Deb 25 May 1871 vol 206 c1261
COLONEL RUGGLES-BRISE

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that the weekly lodging allowance for a Serjeant Major in the Line is 8s. 6d. a-week, while a Serjeant Major in the Militia receives but 2s. 4d. for weekly lodging, or the same as a drummer boy; and upon what principle he justifies this distinction?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, a regimental sergeant-major in the Army receives by the regulations 8s. 6d. a-week lodging money when no quarters are available, which is a very rare occurrence. Sergeants generally receive 4d. a-day. No such distinction has ever been made in the case of the Militia; probably the reason is, that the permanent staff of the Militia are settled in permanent quarters, have greater facilities for obtaining lodgings cheaply, are pensioners, and enjoy privileges not enjoyed by those in active service in the Army.