§ Mr. NEWMANasked whether it is proposed to continue the system of appointing second lieutenants on probation to Guards and Cavalry regiments; and, if so, whether the same system will be applied in the case of appointments to Infantry regiments of the line; and whether he can state how many of these probationers have hitherto failed to qualify themselves for permanent appointment to their respective units?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe system referred to is temporary only, and it will be discontinued if a sufficient number of qualified candidates present themselves in the usual way. It is not intended to apply the system to Infantry of the Line. The number of probationers who have hitherto failed to qualify themselves by examination for permanent commissions are as follows:—Cavalry of the Line, 3; Foot Guards, 6.