§ MR. COGHILL (Newcastle-under-Lyme)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether by the recent conversion of several Artillery Volunteer Corps into Brigades of "Position Artillery," a great deal of expense, beyond the Government grant, has been thrown on the officers in purchasing saddlery, hiring horses, &c.; and, whether, in consequence of this additional outlay, any officers have intimated their intention of resigning their commissions?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The terms on which the issue of guns of position to Volunteer batteries was made were fully communicated to the corps concerned; and it is to be presumed that before accepting the arrangement, whereby several Artillery Volunteer Corps were converted into Brigades of "Position Artillery," the Commanding Officers consulted the officers serving under them. It is not known in the War Office that any officers have intimated their intention of resigning as a result of the extra expense thus thrown upon them. I may add that a money grant is given in aid of horse hire and the provision of harness.