§ SIR JOHN HAYasked the Secretary of State for War, If his attention has been directed to Votes of Thanks to officers and men who have gained victories in former wars; whether thanks were not voted for Barossa, Meeanee, the Alma, and on other occasions, without waiting for the conclusion of the campaign; and, whether, having regard to these precedents, Her Majesty's Ministers will take an early opportunity of expressing the gratitude of the House to the brave men who fought at El Teb, Tamai, Abu Klea, Gubat, and Kirbekan?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONYes, Sir; the statements made in the Question of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman are quite correct, and my attention has been called to them. At the same time, there are precedents, as I pointed out last year, pointing in a somewhat opposite direction. I think I can only repeat the answer I gave the other day—namely, that we consider, in the present state of things, it would be somewhat premature to discuss the question, but that the Government are ready to give it their best consideration, 1237 and will endeavour to act on the precedents dealing with the subject.