§ CAPTAIN M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the case that Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers on Army engagement, serving with the permanent Staffs of brigades and battalions of Militia at stations outside the depôt centres, are denied the privilege of a sergeants' mess establishment, with allowance of fuel and light; and, if so, 1447 whether he will consider the desirability of redressing this grievance?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT (Mr. BRODRICK)(who replied) (Surrey, Guildford) saidSergeants' messes have not been considered necessary for Militia brigades or battalions during the non-training period; and as tire sergeants of the permanent staff are for the most part married men, no grievance on such a ground is known to exist. In case of battalions at the headquarters of regimental districts the depôt mess is available.