MR. MACDONALD CAMERONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with reference to his statement, last year, that there was no intention of altering the status of paymaster sergeants and orderly room sergeants appointed to the permanent staff of the Militia before the 1st March, 1888, whether it is the case that orders have recently been 678 issued directing that such non-commissioned officers be not permitted to continue in the Service beyond 21 years, no matter what their age may be; and, if so, whether such orders materially alter the status of men whom the Militia Regulations permit to serve until they attain the age of 50 or 55 years, according to the time they joined the permanent staff of the Militia?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEThere are three descriptions of paymaster sergeants and orderly room clerks now serving in the Militia—(1) those who are completing their Army engagements of 21 years; (2) those who have completed such engagement and are allowed to continue serving; and (3) pensioners and militiamen serving on five-year renewable engagements. The appointment of paymaster sergeants and orderly room clerks in the Militia have been abolished, but there is no intention of interfering with the engagement under which men are now serving. Such engagement, however, will not be renewed except where it is for the good of the Service, and when specially recommended.