HC Deb 01 August 1890 vol 347 cc1533-4
CAPTAIN VERNEY (Bucks, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Honorary Colonels of regiments are not in any degree responsible for the discipline and efficiency of the regiments they are by a fiction supposed to command, and whence they draw their full pay, he will take into consideration the desirability of discontinuing this illusory title, and of granting those pensions, if at all, under some designation which shall not disguise their real significance?

* THE SECRETARY or STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, Horncastle

The hon. Member ought to be well aware that these honorary appointments are immensely prized by general officers; and the connection of these officers with the regiments in which they have in most cases served not infrequently in the field, is very highly appreciated by the regiments themselves. The hon. Member is also doubtless aware that the paid Honorary Colonels are an expiring class.