§ COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if the Militia is below its establishment in officers; and, if such 1759 is the case, if he would cancel the Order 2209, of 27th July, 1893, that deprives officers of their mess and lodging allowance after 12 months' service, inclusive of all broken periods of service?
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIt is the case that the Militia is below its establishment of officers. The Circular Letter referred to involves no new Regulation. It merely draws attention to the provisions of Articles 210 and 504 of the Militia Regulations, which, there was reason to think, were overlooked or misunderstood. The allowance referred to is a special allowance to cover the cost of coming up for a short period of service, and 12 months is a very liberal limit. When an officer's employment extends beyond a year he receives the ordinary allowances of his rank.
§ COLONEL LOCKWOODCould not the allowance be given in the case of officers who, having served 12 months, are willing to continue provided no other officer can be found to take his place?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANSo far as I am aware, no such case has arisen.