§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will consider the propriety of increasing the pay or allowances of subaltern Officers in temporary command of troops or companies, seeing that the present contingent allowance is wholly inadequate to meet the expenses inseparable from such commands?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn reply to the hon. Baronet, I beg leave to say that, by Clause 215 of the Army Circulars, dated September, 1881, the contingent allowance to officers, whether in permanent or temporary command of troops, batteries, or companies, is settled from year to year. The rates now in force are not inadequate. Out of the whole Army only five representations on the subject have been received; in two of these no details were given, and in the three others I was satisfied that the allowance was sufficient. I am always prepared to receive applications for reimbursement of legitimate expenses in excess of the contingent allowance; but I see no reason on this account to alter subalterns' pay.