§ COLONEL ARBUTHNOTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Captains in the Army serving in India, who may complete twenty years' service (from the date of attaining twenty years of age), and who consequently become ineligible for promotion under the Royal Warrant of 13th August 1877, will, under the provisions of Clause 92, Army Circular, 1st May 1878, be compelled to defray the cost of their passages to England and that of their successors to India, thereby being deprived of nearly a year's income on retirement, although practically they will be compulsorily retired, inasmuch as they are debarred from further promotion; and, whether, if this be the existing regulation, he will be so good as to give the matter his favourable consideration, with a view to its revision?
§ COLONEL STANLEYSir, in answer to the hon. and gallant Gentleman I may say that the officers will not be required to make the payments referred to. The regulations at present are not quite clear; but I hope that in a short time they will be amended, so as to make them distinct. It may, perhaps, be necessary to consult the India Office on the subject.