§ MR. P. STANHOPE (Wednesbury)asked the Secretary of State for War, 298 Whether his attention has been directed to the recent Circular of His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief in reference to the proposed Imperial Institute; whether this Circular was submitted to the Secretary of State for War, and received his approval and sanction; whether a statement is contained therein, that the rank and file "are not expected to contribute more than one day's pay;" and, whether the rank and file are consequently under an obligation to contribute at least that amount?
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether in the Circular addressed to the Army by the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief, inviting contributions to the Imperial Institute, the statement that the rank and file "are not expected to contribute more than one day's pay," is to be held to refer to the nominal rate of pay, or to the amount actually received by the soldier; or whether he is expected to contribute the amount of regulation stoppages also?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)No Circular has been issued to the Army by His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief with reference to the Imperial Institute. But in reply to an inquiry from the General Officer commanding the Home District, His Royal Highness expressed the opinion that any soldier who wished to subscribe to it should not be expected to contribute more than one day's pay. His Royal Highness has always been of opinion that the spontaneity of subscriptions for this purpose will add much to their value; and he is most anxious that no pressure, direct or indirect, should be put upon any soldier to contribute. But as from these Questions it appears that his action has been misunderstood, his Royal Highness has sent a further communication to General Gipps upon the subject.