§ MR. MACLIVERasked the Secretary of State for War, If his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction which prevails among the officers of the Volunteer force (225 having resigned their commissions during the three months of the Volunteer year); and, whether he is prepared to meet the complaints of Volunteer officers by conceding the claims which have been made in their behalf?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to my hon. Friend I must repeat what I said in answer to his Question on the 18th of January, that in moving the Army Estimates I shall state what is proposed with respect to the Volunteers. At the same time he will permit me to say that I know nothing of "dissatisfaction" among Volunteer officers, and that I believe the number of resignations in the Force is far more due to the recent fall in the incomes of what are known as the "easy classes" than to any other cause. As a matter of fact, my hon. Friend has been misinformed if he has been told that the resignation of Volunteer officers during the period to which he refers is excessive. Since the 1st of November last 281 officers have resigned, against 297 who resigned in the corresponding period of 1879–80; and the difference between resignations and appointments is only 25 less this year than last. Perhaps, however, he will wait until I have made my state- 1086 ment in moving the Army Estimates before pressing me further on this subject.