§ MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether a considerable number of Militia battalions are still without musketry instructors; and, if so, what is the reason of the deficiency?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThere are 31 vacancies for musketry instructors. Candidates for commissions in the Army are not allowed to take these appointments; and most of the present subalterns are thus debarred. On the other hand, captains, though eligible, do not care to give up their company duties, hence the deficiency. During training, however, there is no difficulty in obtaining suitable officers, either from the line or from other Militia battalions.