§ Colonel BURNasked if the case will be considered of officers of the Indian Army who accept civil employment as cantonment magistrates in that country, and who, while serving in a purely judicial capacity, are obliged, when they become eligible for promotion, to undergo a severe examination in military subjects, as well as a practical test in drill?
§ Mr. MONTAGUUnder the regulations in force all officers of the Indian Army who are employed extra regimentally—whether in military or civil appointments—are required, so long as their names remain on the rolls of the regiment., and so long as they retain a right to revert to those regiments, to pass the ordinary professional examinations for promotion in Army rank. When the right, to revert ceases no further examination in military subjects are required. This rule appears reasonable, and the Secretary of State does not propose to alter it.
§ Colonel BURNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that China is the only country in the world where officers acting in a civil capacity are subjected to a military examination?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not know if the hon. Member realises that these officers can at, any time become regimentally employed, and revert to the Army, and it therefore seems only reasonable that they should qualify for promotion in the ordinary way.
§ Colonel BURNBut is it not almost without precedent for any officer so employed to revert to regimental duty?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI cannot say. But the rule being that, they have the right to revert, they must, he examined in the ordinary way.