§ SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Colonels who held that rank before October 1877 will receive on retirement the fair actuarial value of their prospective succession to an Honorary Colonelcy of a regiment; whether it is the case that it has been conceded that Lieutenant Generals and Major Generals retired for non-employment under the maximum age, for remaining on the active list in their respective ranks, and whose retired pay is reduced by £10 a-year for every year under the maximum, will be permitted to receive the full rate of retired pay when they reach the maximum age; and, whether there 1717 will be any objection to General Officers retired as such under the Warrant of 1877 on account of their having reached the age of seventy being allowed the actuarial value, in the form of an annuity, of their present unattached pay and prospective pay as Honorary Colonels of a regiment?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to the first Question, I have to say that the officers referred to will receive the fair actuarial value of their former prospect to succeed to the unattached pay of a general officer, and ultimately to an honorary colonelcy, less, of course, their gains under the new Warrant. My answer to the second Question is also in the affirmative with respect to lieutenant generals and major general son the active list on the 1st of July; but this rule will under no circumstances apply to general officers retiring voluntarily or to future general officers. As to the third Question, I have well considered my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion; but it seems to me that it might raise an awkward precedent to alter the emoluments of an officer who has actually retired, and whose position is in no way affected by the new Warrant, and I fear it cannot be adopted.
§ SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOTsaid, this was a very important matter, and he hoped the right hon. Gentleman would give it his serious attention.
§ MR. CHILDERSThat I will promise to do.