§ MR. HART-DAVIESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been called to the losses and inconvenience caused by the disbanding of the Chinese Regiment at Wei-hai-Wai to the officers of that corps, who were engaged for a period of five years, and have now, long before the expiration of that time, been obliged to 1034 sell their kit and uniforms and purchase others; and whether he will see fit to give some compensation to the officers affected.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. HALDANE, Haddington)These officers were appointed for three years with power of extension to five and several of them have completed the latter period. Those who had not completed their service were granted compensation by being permitted to retain their Chinese rates of pay and language allowance for sixty-one days (a) from the date of ceasing duty, if they were going to take leave before returning home; or (b) from the date of disembarkation in this country if they came home without delay. I may add that seven out of the thirteen officers who were on the strength of the regiment in April last have already received other appointments.