§ MR. TOTTENHAMasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether a Circular Letter was recently sent to all or any of the Officers Commanding Regiments in the United Kingdom, inquiring whether any, and, if so, what, steps had been taken by the Officers of their respective regiments to vest their mess plate and other property in trustees; and, if he can state what action, or intended action, on the part of the authorities at the War Office, has led the Officers of so many regiments to take this step in defence of their private property?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, reports having reached His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge that some regiments had transferred their plate to trustees unconnected with the Army, a letter was written to the General Officer Commanding the Home Dis- 1140 trict asking whether such was the case, and expressing His Royal Highness's opinion as to such a transaction. The General Officer Commanding the Home District made the inquiry of the regiments in his district, which is, I presume, the Circular Letter referred to. Two regiments have, I understand, taken this course; but I am not aware of any action, or intended action, on the part of the authorities which has prompted or could justify so irregular a proceeding.
§ MR. TOTTENHAMasked whether this course had only been pursued in the Home District, or whether the same Circular had been sent to other districts?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON,in reply, said, that he understood there was no Circular; and, as far as he was aware, no inquiry had been addressed to any but the Home District.