§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the battalions of the Royal Garrison Regiment are considered to be experimental or
* See preceding volume, page 782.417 permanent; with reference to Special Army Order of 11th April, 1891, B (a) and (b), what officers are considered as posted for duty and what as permanently appointed; under what term of engagement are the officers serving; if not permanently appointed, are they to wear the various uniforms of the corps from which they have been selected; has an age limit in the several ranks been fixed for the officers; and have allowances for officers' and sergeants' messes, bands, and such matters been determined.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe battalions of the Garrison Regiment are intended to be permanent. The commanding officer is appointed in the usual way for four years; the adjutant and quartermaster for three years. The other officers are posted for duty for a minimum of one year, with power of extension. All the above are officers who have volunteered for this service. The uniform of the commanding officer, and those who come from the Reserve, has been laid down. It will be red serge and khaki, and there will be no objection to other officers wearing the uniform of corps to which they belong. For the first year the age limit will not apply, but later it will be desirable to impose limits similar to those of the rest of the Army. I am in communication with the Treasury as to the allowance for officers' and sergeants' messes and for band, and will see there is no avoidable delay.