COLONEL LOYD LINDSAYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, with the object of giving the Volunteers the most favourable opportunity of making a creditable appearance at the next Autumn Manœuvres, he will take into consideration the recommendation made by the Commander-in-Chief in his report last year, who, while speaking of the Volunteers, says—
Unfortunately corps were generally represented by only very small portions, and these had consequently to be thrown together into provisional battalions. This arrangement was unavoidable, but it presents a great difficulty in bringing out the Force in as favourable a condition as could be wished. If whole regiments of Volunteers could come out on these occasions, the efficiency of this portion of our Auxiliary Forces would be greatly enhanced;and, whether he will reconsider the Regulation which he has laid down, which requires the attendance of every Volunteer during the whole fortnight's training?
§ LORD ELCHOinquired whether, if a corps undertook to send 100 men to the Manœuvres, and kept up that force during the fortnight's training, it would be considered necessary that the same men should attend during the whole of that time?
§ MR. CARDWELL, in reply, said, His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief had represented to him that the Manœuvres were not likely to be successful if the Volunteers who took part in the instruction in the second week had not taken part in it during the first week.