§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the Secretary of State for War, If his attention has been called to an advertisement in The Morning Post, of March 27th, for a Majority in a Militia Battalion on behalf of an officer ten years in a Highland Regiment; if, in the public interest, as in that of the Auxiliary Forces, he will in future cause inquiry to be made of all officers, under fifty-five years of age, retiring from the Regular Army, or going upon half-pay, as to their willingness to continue to serve their country, and keep up their Military knowledge in either the Militia, the Yeomanry, or the Volunteers; and, if he will endeavour to facilitate the same by having their names, qualifications, and wishes registered at Head Quarters, and by communication on the subject with the Officers Commanding Reserve Regiments having vacancies for officers?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)&c.) (Stirling,It does not appear necessary to make the inquiry proposed by my hon. Friend, as all officers who retire on retired pay or gratuity are liable to be called on to serve up to the age of 45 for captains and 55 for field officers. As appointments to the Auxiliary Forces are made on the recommendation of the officers commanding corps through the general officers commanding districts, I do not see what advantages would be gained by keeping at headquarters the register he suggests.