HC Deb 10 July 1905 vol 149 cc77-8
MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will undertake that, in the event of its being found necessary to disband any Volunteer battalions, no pecuniary liability for expense legitimately incurred by commanding officers on behalf of the corps shall be allowed to fall upon such commanding officers.

*MR. ARNOLD - FORSTER

The Volunteer Regulations contain definite provisions regarding the finances of corps on disbandment, and there is no reason to suppose that these provisions are inadequate.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

But suppose any corps are disbanded under this order of January 20th, will any pecuniary liabilities rest upon the commanding officer?

*MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

There is no proposal in this circular to disband Volunteer corps. Where they have been disbanded in the past they have been dealt with under the regulation which I have just quoted.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

asked whether the circular relating to the efficiency of the Volunteers had been withdrawn.

*MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

No, Sir.