HC Deb 22 July 1902 vol 111 cc905-6
MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Colour Sergeant James Roy, of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Scottish Rifles, who has been certified as having thirty years efficient service, and has been present at every company and battalion drill during that period (excepting only one battalion and one company drill), and has been present in every camp of instruction attended by the regiment during the past thirty years, was, under an order issued in the 26th and 71st Regimental District, N.B., refused the privilege of having an application considered for an extention of service in terms of Article 154 of the Volunteer Regulations; whether he is aware that although Colour Sergeant Roy had not made any application for his discharge, he received a discharge bearing to be granted at his own request and to be issued in accordance with the provisions of the seventh section of The Volunteer Act, 1863; and, whether he will take steps that Colour Sergeant Roy may have the question of his further continuance of service considered in terms of Article 154 of the Regulations for the Volunteer Force.

MR. BRODRICK

The retention of Volunteers after fifty years of age rests entirely with the Commanding Officer of the Corps and the Officer Commanding the Regimental District, with whose discretion in the matter I am not prepared in any way to interfere.

MR. CALDWELL

But, notwithstanding the regulation, consideration of the request has been refused by the Commanding Officer.