§ MR. LABOUCHERE (for Mr. O'SHEA)asked the Secretary of State for War, The number of vacancies in the establishment of Militia officers; whether a great proportion of the subalterns are 426 merely qualifying for the Regular Forces; and, whether, under the circumstances, he will consider the advisability of extending the period of service of a certain number of officers whose retirement is imminent under the Militia Regulations of 1883, but whose activity and fitness may be specially reported upon by Colonels commanding districts?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONAccording to the latest Returns there were 792 vacancies on the establishment of Militia officers; 83 Militia subalterns have recently received commissions in the Regular Army. A large proportion of the subalterns doubtless join the Militia with a view to passing through it to the Line. Under the Regulations now in force lieutenant-colonels retire at 55, majors and captains at 50 years of age; but in all cases officers are permitted, on the recommendation of the General Officer commanding, to serve five years longer. Having regard to the efficiency of the Service and the maintenance of a fair flow of promotion, it would not, in my opinion, be desirable to suspend these Regulations.