§ MR. HELME (Lancashire, Lancaster)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that, for the first time in the history of our country, Volunteers have rendered active service at the front, His Majesty's Government are willing, in recognition of such services, to so far modify paragraph 870 of the Volunteer Regulations as to enable Volunteer corps who have supplied contingents for the war in South Africa to receive and carry standards or colours presented to them by local authorities or persons on their return home.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe Volunteer corps who supplied contingents were nearly all rifle corps, and rifle corps of the Line do not carry colours. No local authorities have ever been permitted to present troops with colours which are to be carried on parade, and I do not think it would be advisable to establish such a precedent.
§ MR. HELMEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be an advantage, and develop the interest taken in the Volunteer movement, if—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!