DR. CAMERONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the statement reported to have been addressed to the 4th (Portsoy) Battery, Banffshire Artillery Volunteers, to the effect that Lieutenant Findlay was to be promoted to the rank of Captain; whether it is true, as reported, that in consequence of that announcement, fifty-seven men belonging to the battery had resigned; and, if so, whether, before promoting Lieutenant Findlay to the command of the battery, he will institute inquiries as to the cause of his unpopularity with the men?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe facts are as stated in the Question; but at present no promotion to the command of the battery has been submitted to the War Office. I should prefer not to express any opinion until all the circumstances are before me.