§ MR. R. H. PAGETasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will avail himself of the present opportunity, when the position of Non-Commissioned Officers in the Army is being generally improved, to review the conditions of service of Barrack Sergeants; and, whether in view of the onerous and highly responsible duties performed by Barrack Sergeants, when in sole charge of stations and stores, he will be good enough to consider the advisability of improving their position, as to pay and pension?
§ MR. CHILDERSNO, Sir; I am not prepared, so long as barrack sergeants are chosen from pensioners, to increase their emoluments; but I am not quite satisfied that the present system is a good one, and that it would not be better to select barrack sergeants from men still in their Army engagements, which might possibly be extended. I will look into the question during the Autumn.