§ MR. HAYTERasked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to his reply on the 25th of July, that in the Militia the regulations as to the retirement of officers at 60 years of age, unless specially recommended for five years' extension, were strictly enforced, what course he proposes to pursue with regard to the officers commanding the Bedford and 2nd Stafford Militia who have attained the ages of 77 and 70 respectively; and, whether he is of opinion that sufficient information as to the ages of Militia officers and their consequent retirement to ensure a proper flow of promotion, is at present at the disposal of the War Office?
§ COLONEL STANLEY, in reply, said, perhaps the hon. Member would allow him to answer his Question generally and not particularly in reference to the cases of certain officers who were Members of that House. The rule which he had adopted in all cases was the one which he understood, from consultation with the Commander-in-Chief and the Inspector General of the Auxiliary Forces, was to be generally acted upon —namely, that when an officer attained the age of 60 he should, as a rule, retire from the active command of a regiment, his commission then being an honorary one; but that, in certain exceptional circumstances, he should be permitted to retain his command for another five years.