§ Mr. P. CURRANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Giuseppe Cachia, who was a colour-sergeant in the King's Own Malta Militia, was at the expiration of seven years' service transferred against his wish into the Reserve; that Cachia had nothing against his conduct and holds certificates for efficiency; that his repeated requests for a statement of the reasons for his transfer have been met with refusals; and that the circumstances of his transfer have cast a reflection on him and he has suffered in consequence; and whether he will favourably consider the possibility of Cachia's re-entry into the Militia or state the reasons why he was transferred into the Reserve?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. F. D. Acland)This case has already been referred to the War Office. The man's commanding officer considered that his performance of the duties of colour-sergeant were not sufficiently satisfactory to justify his retention, and this decision was upheld by the superior military authorities purely on military grounds and not on grounds of character or conduct. It must be remembered that as the Malta Militia do not draw their permanent staff from the Regular forces, exceptional local men are required, and the refusal to grant him an extension did not cast any reflection on this man. He has now completed his 12 years' engagement, and could not be readmitted into the force.