§ MR. JOHN WILSON (Falkirk Burghs)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether orders have been given for the disbandment of the 5th Volunteer Battalion Scottish Rifles, with headquarters at Airdrie; if he is aware that no reason has been given for this step, and that no fault 1596 has been found with the battalion other than the unavoidable delay in filling up the vacancy caused by the forced resignation of the late commanding officer, Colonel Forrest; is this delay the warrant for the order, which has aroused serious indignation in the locality; and will he agree to suspend action until a full inquiry into the whole circumstances is held? The hon. Member further asked the Under Secretary of State for War if he was aware that, at the unanimous request of the officers of the 5th Volunteer Battalion Scottish Rifles, Major Black, of Airdrie, was nominated as commanding officer on the 19th October 1896, and submitted to the War Office for approval; has this nomination reached the War Office, and for what reason has that appointment not hitherto been made; is be aware that several officers have as recently as in January last received their commissions, who, if disbandment is insisted upon, will suffer loss and damage; and what action be proposes to take in the matter?
§ *MR. BRODRICKOrders have been given for the disbandment of this Volunteer battalion, as, in the opinion of the, military authorities, after most careful investigation, the reports on its discipline, and other circumstances connected with the corps, made no other course possible. Major Black's nomination for the command was considered, but he was not recommended for the appointment by those responsible. The only officer appointed in the present year is a surgeon-lieutenant, and only two were appointed in 1896.
§ MR. J. WILSON (Falkirk Burghs)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman, was aware that the last annual inspection took place on June 20 last, and that the inspecting officer reported favourably on the discipline of the corps?
§ *MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir; I should not question any observation which the hon. Member may make as to the Report, but there were other circumstances which have come to light ranging now over two years, which have been carefully considered by the military authorities, and which point to a lack of discipline and efficiency in the corps.
§ MR. J. WILSON (Falkirk Burghs)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would produce the Inspecting Officers' Reports for the last ten years?
§ *MR. BRODRICKI have not the least objection to showing my hon. Friend the Reports on the inspection of the corps, but I would point out that the Reports of the inspection are not the only Reports on which the War Office has to act. Various irregularities in the administration of the corps have come to light, but I am most reluctant to enter into details which may give pain to individuals. ["Hear, hear!"]