HC Deb 21 June 1881 vol 262 cc988-9
MR. MOLLOY

asked the Secretary of State for War, If it be intended under the new scheme of Army organisation to maintain the existing system of seconding officers employed away from their regiments as adjutants of Militia and Volunteers; and, if those captains, now so employed, who may on the 1st July obtain their substantive majorities, will be seconded in their new rank?

MR. CHILDERS

If the hon. Member will refer to the additions to paragraph 6, at the head of page 2, in the revised Memorandum, he will find an exact answer to each of his Questions.

SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he intends to introduce a new system of drill for the infantry of the Army, so as to allot duties for the increased number of officers on horseback (six instead of three) which it is proposed to give to each battalion under the new organisation; and, if not, whether he will state what duties in the field the new mounted officers will be required to perform?

MR. CHILDERS

In reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, I have to inform him that the drill will remain as at present. The two Field Officers next in rank to the Commanding Officer will be mounted on parade, and will perform the duties assigned in the Drill Book. The other Field Officers will command companies on foot, but they will be mounted on the line of march, and will perform Field Officers' duties in garrison. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that great care will be taken to clearly define the duties of these officers.

LORD ELCHO

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Regulations were to be retrospective by which a lieutenant colonel would, after four years' service, be made a full colonel; and, secondly, whether the tenure of the command of a regiment would be reduced to four years?

MR. CHILDERS

In reply to my noble Friend, I have to say that the Regulation as to the promotion of a lieutenant-colonel, after four years' ser- vice, to the rank of colonel is to be so far retrospective that every existing lieutenant-colonel, who will have completed the qualifying service by the 1st of July, will be promoted colonel from that date. As regards the tenure of regimental command, the new rule of four years' tenure will not be retrospective, as those lieutenant-colonels appointed before the 1st of July will be allowed to complete their five years, subject to retirement on account of age.