§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, having regard to the practical impossibility for Volunteers engaged in business to know in April whether they will be able to be exercised with the Regular Forces at Aldershot for seven days in August, the time for submitting the Return of those willing to go can be extended from 1st May to 1st July?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)As far as military arrangements are concerned, it is immaterial whether the date is extended from May 1 to July 1; but it is believed that the alteration suggested would be inconvenient to the Volunteers generally. The number of Volunteers to be exercised with the Regular troops at Aldershot in August is limited to 3,150 of all ranks. The invitations have been sent out to all Metropolitan corps, representing over 20,000 men. A selection has, therefore, to be made; and to enable Volunteers to make their plans in good time (according to this selection) it is desirable that it should be made early, and even earlier than usual this year in consequence of the many special events taking place. If my hon. Friend can call at the War Office at any time the Quartermaster General will be happy to discuss this matter with him in detail.