HC Deb 16 February 1882 vol 266 cc780-1
EARL PERCY

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is prepared to make a similar allowance to officers of Militia regiments, who have been obliged to change their lace, facings, and accoutrements, as he has to those whose uniforms have been changed from those of Rifle regiments to those of the Line?

MR. CHILDERS

In reply to the noble Lord, who has been good enough to write to me a letter explaining his Question in more detail, I fear I can only say that I have never held out any expectation to officers of the Militia that any allowance would be made to them on the change from silver to gold lace. The General Order of May, 1881, paragraph 16, clearly lays down that officers need only change their lace and badges when they require to replace those in use; and I am told that this was clearly understood from the first. There could be no reason to change officers' head dress sooner, as the men only wear the Glengarry.