§ MR. BIGGARasked the Secretary of State for War, If Sergeant Clarke, 4th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (formerly called Cavan Militia), has been kept recruiting since the July of last year up to the present away from his family and head quarters; and, is it the usual rule only to keep them half that time?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, the non-commissioned officer referred to in this Question was upon recruiting duty from the 10th of July to March of the present year. He was at perfect liberty to take his family with him if he liked; but he preferred not to do so. Perhaps I may state that a letter has been received from the noncommissioned officer referred to expressing his surprise that the Question should 126 have been put, and repudiating any connection with the hon. Member in regard to his action.
§ MR. BIGGARI may explain that only a very small part of the Question has appeared upon the Paper; and I have a very different reason for putting it from that which appears to strike the noble Marquess.