HC Deb 06 August 1878 vol 242 cc1395-6
MAJOR O'BEIRNE

called attention to the system of seconding Officers in Cavalry Regiments on appointment to Adjutancies of Yeomanry, and to move— That the present system of seconding Officers in Cavalry Regiments requires amendment, as it is calculated to give undue advantages in promotion and retirement under the Royal Warrant of the 30th day of August 1877 to Officers holding such appointments.

MR. O'CONNOR POWER

seconded the Motion.

Amendment proposed, To leave out from the word "That" to the end of the Question, in order to add the words "the present system of seconding Officers in Cavalry Regiments requires amendment, as it is calculated to give undue advantages in promotion and retirement under the Royal Warrant of the 13th day of August 1877 to Officers holding such appointments,"—(Major O'Beirne.) —instead thereof.

Question proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question."

COLONEL LOYD LINDSAY

said, he thought it would be very inconvenient to carry out the proposal of the hon. and gallant Member. The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the question of the Yeomanry had made certain recommendations, one of which was that the Yeomanry should have the advantage of the assistance of officers—Captains serving in Cavalry regiments. Previous to that, Yeomanry officers were drawn from the ranks, and it was an advantage to the Yeomanry regiments that officers should be appointed. He could not conceive anything more unjust than that they should have their promotion stopped, for while they were acting as Adjutants, their pay was less than when they were acting with their regiments. He, therefore, thought it would be quite unreasonable to carry out any such proposal as that of the hon. and gallant Member. If any undue promotion should occur, the Commander-in-Chief would see the matter right.

Question put, and agreed to.

Main Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."