HC Deb 10 July 1873 vol 217 c149
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has received any representations from the agriculturists of North Devon respecting the inconvenience which will result to them in ease of the First Devon Militia being called out for so long a period as forty-two days at the present season of the year?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, I have received such a representation. The time was originally fixed because we understood it would be the time most generally convenient to the county. I understand that arrangements have already been made by which a very small proportion of the men called out will be agricultural labourers, and every effort is being made to reduce this number as far as possible.