§ MAJOR O'GORMANasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to allow the vacancies occasioned by the death of the officers of the 24th Regiment, who lately fell in the performance of their duty in South Africa, to be filled up by the survivors of both battalions of that Regiment, or whether it is intended to allow half-pay officers to intrude?
§ COLONEL STANLEYSir, in answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Waterford, I have to say that until we know in strict accuracy what vacancies have unfortunately occurred, I am not able to speak positively on the matter; and I would, therefore, be glad if he would kindly repeat his Question at some later date. At the same time, I am bound to say, as far as my own opinion goes, that it would only be a proper tribute to the gallantry with which the 24th have fought that, as far as possible, the vacancies should be filled up by the surviving officers.