§ MAJOR O'BEIRNEasked the Secretary of State for War, If he would explain why the brigade depots of Canterbury, Winchester, and York have been placed under the command of Officers whose entire service has been passed in the Cavalry, taking into consideration the fact that these are Infantry brigade depots, and that the duty of drilling, inspecting, and reporting upon the efficiency of an Infantry brigade cannot be performed by Officers who have served exclusively in the Cavalry; and, whether these commands are to be retained for the usual period, and are the Lieutenant Colonels of Infantry on half-pay ineligible for the same?
MR. GATHORNE HARDY,in reply, said, this Question had very naturally been referred to the Commander-in-Chief, who was perfectly satisfied with the competency of the officers appointed. There was no intention to curtail their tenure of office, nor was it intended to exclude lieutenant-colonels of infantry on half-pay from obtaining the brevet rank of colonel for such commands.