HC Deb 10 July 1893 vol 14 cc1150-1
MR. HANBURY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War how many honorary colonelcies to which pay is attached still exist; what is the amount of such pay; and whether he will grant a Return of the names and the total pay in each case of the holders of these offices?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Before the prospective abolition of honorary colonelcies there were 173 drawing £185,586 a year. There are at present 80 such officers drawing £83,199 a year; and there are only two officers remaining who can claim succession to these appointments. I hardly think there would be any advantage in giving the nominal Return referred to in the last paragraph of the hon. Member's question.

MR. HANBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman, without giving the names of the actual holders of the posts, give the salaries? We want to know a little more about these sinecures. I want to be told how much each receives.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Paid honorary colonelcies are only given to the old purchase officers who have not received compensation for the abolition of their purchase rights. It is an expiring institution, and I do not see what good would be gained by publishing the names.

MR. HANBURY

Are they the only officers who hold these appointments?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

They are the only paid honorary colonels.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Is this sum of £83,199 shown in the Estimates?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I cannot say that on recollection.

MR. A. C. MORTON

Are any of these appointments being made now with or without pay?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I have said there are only two officers remaining who have a right to look for these appointments. The honorary colonelcies of the new type merely imply a certain honorary attachment to a regiment and carry no pay whatever.