§ MR. J. HOLMSasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Militia Reserve now called upon by Royal Proclamation to enter upon Army Service, and to serve until their services are no longer required, are to be retained after the emergency has passed as a part of the Regular Army or not; and, whether, as by "The Militia Reserve Act, 1867," their places in the Militia are deemed vacant when they are called upon to enter upon Army Service, it is the intention of the Government to fill such vacant places immediately, or not?
COLONEL LOYD LINDSAYSir, under Section 10 of the Militia Reserve Act—
Militia Reserve men, who have entered upon Army Service shall, as soon as their services are no longer required, return to serve in the Militia regiments to which they belong.This arrangement will be strictly carried out according to the Act. The second part of the Question touches a matter of policy. It is asked whether the Government intends to fill up the vacant places in the Militia caused by calling up the Reserve? Yes, it is intended to allow the Militia to fill up the vacancies occasioned by 30,000 Reserve men having been transferred to the Line; but, of course, this will be gradual and not an immediate process.