§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (, &c.) Kirkcaldyasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, in view of the success of the experiment in certain regiments, he will consider the expediency of trying more generally the plan under which recruits are permitted to enlist for three years, and are practically not liable to be sent to India, but have afterwards the option of accepting long service if they desire to do so, and are found to be likely to make efficient soldiers?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (, &c.) StirlingThe necessity for providing every year large drafts for foreign service makes it desirable to treat with great caution any further application of the system of enlistment for three years. The Foot 1792 Guards, to which regiments it has been applied, are during peace essentially for Home service; and I should prefer to have longer experience of the proportion of men extending their service in those corps before going much further.