§ MR. SIDNEY HERBERTasked the Secretary of State for War, If he would explain why the distance which entitles members of the Yeomanry Cavalry to an extra day's pay for the days of joining for and returning from permanent duty has been altered from twenty miles to thirty miles, as per Memorandum from the War Office of April 4th 1884; why the promised allowance of 3s. 6d. per diem for two troop drills has been stopped; and, whether he is aware that both the above alterations have given great dissatisfaction to the officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the Force?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONHitherto the Yeomanry Regulations have not fixed a limit of distance for the grant of marching money. As it was found that in some cases two days were charged for coming up to drill or going down from it when the distance was only 21 miles, it was considered right to fix the allowance at one day for any distance under 30 miles, and at two days for any greater distance. I am afraid that I must postpone any full answer to the other point in the hon. Member's Question until we come to the discussion of the Estimates. I do not think, however, that the allowance referred to has ever been actually promised, although it was undoubtedly intended that it should be given. When reference was made to the matter we were under the impression that there would be a considerable saving on the Yeomanry Vote. That Vote is now under my consideration, and I shall be anxious, if possible, to give the allowance referred to in the Question.