§ MR. A. O'CONNORI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Colonel Anley, of the 69th Foot, has had his command extended on the ground that "the regiment is in a good state of discipline"; whether there is any precedent for extension of command on such a ground; 873 and will he explain why Colonel Keagh, of the 12th Foot, who was also complimented on the same ground as Colonel Anley, had not his command extended in like manner?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPEI am sure the hon. Member will see that this is not a matter which can properly be discussed in Parliament. I may, however, state that Colonel Keagh was ineligible for continuance in his command on account of age.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to furnish me with any reference to Regulations or General Orders which recognise as a ground for extending a command that a regiment is in a good state of discipline, and would not a recognition of a principle of that kind debar subordinate officers from promotion?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPEI must ask for notice of that question.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORWas there any special reason for consideration in the case to which I have referred?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPENo, there was not.