HC Deb 19 June 1891 vol 354 cc895-6
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he would take into consideration the possibility of "seconding" officers of the Militia holding seats in the House of Commons, as he has recently done in the Line?

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

An officer of the Army must be available for military duty at any moment. Except on the rare occasions of the Militia being embodied, an officer of that force is only required for the short period of training. Conse- quently, it does not appear to be necessary to second a Militia officer because he holds a seat in Parliament.