HC Deb 02 June 1881 vol 261 cc1878-9
CAPTAIN PRICE

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the case that in the regular Army, and also in the Navy, officers hold the appointment of A.D.C. to the Queen for limited periods, but that in the Militia and Yeomanry these appointments are held for life; and, if so, whether he would consider the advisability of limiting the appointments in these services to a period of five years?

MR. CHILDERS

Sir, in reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, I have to inform him that aides-de-camp to the Queen in the Army and Navy do not hold their appointments for fixed periods of five years, but until promotion to generals' or flag rank, and that these appointments are salaried. In the Auxiliary Forces there is no rank above that of colonel, and, consequently, the appointments continue for life, and they are purely honorary. I will consider the suggestion which he has made; but in no case could it, if adopted, apply to present aides-de-camp.