§ MR. HOLMSasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended that the home battalion of a Regiment shall be stationed within the district from which it is recruited during the period of its employment on home service; and, whether it is intended that of the two companion battalions of a Regiment one and the same battalion shall be always at home and the other abroad, or whether it is intended that they shall be exchangeable, sometimes the one battalion at home, sometimes the other?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, the intention is that the third battalion, or depôt centre, shall be localized. With regard to the other two battalions, they will serve wherever they are required; one being always at home, and the other always abroad. In answer to the second Question, I have to state that the two battalions will be exchangeable.