§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Secretary of State for War, What position is to be assigned to the Artillery Militia in the new scheme of Territorial Regiments, and if the Officers of that force are to wear gold lace and appointments as in the Royal Artillery?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, the case of the Artillery Militia is still under my consideration, and I cannot undertake at this moment to say what change we may make in their uniform.
§ COLONEL ALEXANDERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has considered that, by allowing commanding officers of Militia to prolong their service beyond the age of sixty years, at which age, in accordance with paragraph 87, section I. of the Militia Regulations, they are now obliged to retire, and by compelling majors to retire at the age of 55, he will not preclude many existing majors from obtaining the command of the regiments?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, the hon. and gallant Gentleman has somewhat imperfectly appreciated the present regulation. It is true that colonels of Militia may be retired at 60 years of age; but this is not compulsory, as the regulation allows an unlimited extension on the recommendation of the General Officer commanding; and, as a matter of fact, there are 11 colonels of over 67 years of age, 15 over 60, and 15 majors also over 60. The new rule will be more favourable to present majors than the existing one, which is practically no rule at all, and I see no reason for modifying it.