§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that nearly the whole of the bandsmen of the 19th Middlesex, Bloomsbury Rifles, have recently received written notice from the Adjutant that they have been reduced to the ranks for insisting on the performance of a clause in their condition of service, by which they were guaranteed a minimum of 10 engagements per year, at 5s. per engagement; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made as to the circumstances under which these Volunteers, engaging as bandsmen, have been reduced to the ranks as privates?
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, HorncastleThe bandsmen in question 1681 were reduced to the ranks for insubordination, and not because they insisted on being paid for a minimum number of engagements. Being members of the Volunteer corps, they continue as privates on ceasing to be bandsmen. As a matter of discipline this was a case for the Commanding Officer, and I do not propose to institute any inquiry on the subject. But it seems to me clearly a case where the Commanding Officer ought to be strongly supported in maintaining the discipline of his corps.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHMay I ask whether any other case of in subordination has been brought before the notice of the Commanding Officer except asking for money, which they were entitled to, and which in writing had been agreed to be paid to them?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPENo, Sir; that was not the only act of insubordination. I have been shown the receipts in full, signed by the bandsmen, for all that was duo to them.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHNo doubt there are receipts in full now; but I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the only act of insubordination alleged at the time was the asking for a payment of money which, by agreement, they were entitled to?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPEI have only to say, so far as the evidence has come before me, that the Commanding Officer was justified in the action he took.