MAJOR TOLLEMACHEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is still under consideration to take men from the battalions of the Line with which they are brigaded at a Depôt Centre for the performance of the duties of the present permanent staff of Militia regiments, or whether he has decided it would be rather for the advantage of 280 Her Majesty's Service that the present system of a permanent staff for Militia regiments should be retained and be made available for any other duties during the non-training period of the Militia only; whether sealed patterns for clothing, boots, and other equipments will be sanctioned for the Militia, in the same way as for battalions of the Line; and, whether great coats will be issued for the Militia in future as for the Line?
§ MR. CARDWELLThe first Question, Sir, is no longer under consideration. The intention is that as the present permanent staff ceases to exist, their places shall be filled by men forming part of the Regulars in the same brigade. A Committee consisting of officers of the Department and of commanding officers and adjutants of Militia has been sitting to consider questions connected with the clothing of Militia, and are now about to report. Whenever circumstances require the issue of great coats—as, for instance, in the Autumn Manœuvres—they will be supplied. In ordinary cases a sufficient quantity for guard duties is supplied.