§ MR. RAIKESasked the Secretary of State for War, What course will be followed with regard to the appointment of the two Adjutants in a case where several Militia Regiments are brought together to the same Depôt Centre in order to form two Militia Battalions; what course will be taken with regard to the Adjutants of such Regiments who are not appointed to the new Battalions; and what course will be taken with 593 regard to the permanent Staff of the Militia in such Regiments as their engagement for five years falls in; and, if they are to serve no longer what compensation will be given them?
MR. CAEDWELLsaid, in reply, that under the new arrangement some regiments would be consolidated, and in other instances new regiments would be created. The intention was to employ the present adjutants, wherever their services could be made available, and so long as they discharged their duties efficiently. With regard to the adjutants not appointed to the new battalions the fair course would be to arrange for their retirement. As to the permanent Staff of the Militia, it was the intention to employ it in the same way, as far as could be done; and were it was not possible to employ the permanent Staff, gratuities would be given.
§ COLONEL WILSON-PATTENasked, Whether in the case of Adjutants who retired, they would retire upon the pensions now allotted, or upon some other scale?
§ MR. CARDWELLsaid, that no new scale had been fixed, and he hoped that no retirements would be necessary, and that arrangements would be made to employ all the adjutants.