§ CAPTAIN M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true, as stated in several of the Service Journals, that no more Quartermasters are to be appointed in the Commissariat and Transport Corps; and, if so, whether he will, in allotting commissions under the new scheme, consider the claims of many of the conductors, who have rendered long and valuable services, and whose departmental knowledge would thus be of advantage to the State; whether it is intended, under the new scheme, to continue the practice of passing all recruits for the Commissariat through the mounted branch; and, whether he has any information to show that such practice tends to discourage the enlistment of persons best suited for the duties of the department?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Quartermasters will continue to be appointed to the Commissariat and Transport Corps as the demands of the Service require. It is not intended to discontinue the practice of imparting to all recruits some instruction in riding, as occasions constantly arise when the men of the corps are required to be mounted. I may add, however, that the course is by no means severe, and no difficulty is 350 experienced in obtaining recruits for the corps, which is at present above its establishment.