§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the Secretary of State for War, If the particulars called for some months ago from officers commanding regiments of Volunteers concerning their financial condition have, for the most part, been received; whether, so far as such Reports have been examined, they disclose the inadequacy of the present Capitation Grant for the maintenance and development of the Force, and show that the officers and members are subjected to heavy expenses in thus serving their country; if any decision was arrived at or opinion recorded on the subject by the late Administration; and, if Her Majesty's Government will endeavour, in due course, to submit such proposals to Parliament as may remedy or alleviate these grievances?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)The replies from officers commanding Volunteer corps have, for the most part, been received; but I have not yet had time to examine them, with a view to the sufficiency, or otherwise, of the capitation grant for the due maintenance of the Force. No decision was arrived at, or opinion recorded, by the late Government. When I have considered the Reports which have been received I propose to take the earliest opportunity of proposing such measures as may appear to me to be necessary for maintaining the full efficiency of an adequate Volunteer Force.