HC Deb 16 July 1896 vol 42 c1634
SIR HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN (Durham, S.E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, with reference to the more economical organisation of the Army, now proceeding, and the possibility of the employment under certain contingencies of the Reserve forces, both of officers and men, whether any means have been taken, or, if not, are proposed to be taken to discriminate between the various classes of Officers in the Reserve, both the General Officers and those of inferior rank, and to eliminate from the Reserve list all those not likely ever to be efficient for service, while fully retaining to them the enjoyment of all emoluments earned in the past by honourable military service?

*MR. BRODRICK

There is no question of economy involved. Reserve Officers draw no extra pay unless employed during national emergency, when they will be selected from those who are considered the most efficient and the fittest. It would not be practicable to examine Officers of the Reserve as to physical fitness before the time arrives for their employment.