§ MR. THEOBALD (Essex, Romford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in one of the daily papers that the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment, the 56th Pompadours, have, since the year 1800, been at home only 15 years; and, if so, whether arrangements could now be made for them to return to England this year (after ten years' service in the Mediterranean) instead of being sent on to either India or Singapore as at present contemplated?
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, HorncastleThe statement referred to is not correct. The 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment has been at home for 26 years in the present century. There are 31 battalions now abroad, which went on foreign service before the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment; and, having in view the necessity of relieving battalions by their sister battalions, it would disturb the roster too much to bring it home so long before its turn.