§ 10. Colonel BURNasked whether Lieutenant-General Sir H. Miles is proceeding, or has proceeded, on a special tour of inspection of certain oversea garrisons; whether he is accompanied by a staff officer; what stations is he visiting, and what is the nature of his inspection; and what is the estimated cost of this service and upon whom does it fall?
§ 12. Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREWasked why the Inspector-General of Oversea Forces was unable to deal in detail with the administrative arrangements of Cape Colony, Sierra Leone, and the 1825 Mauritius during his tour of inspection; whether that is part of his duty; whether he has himself occupied the position of Quartermaster-General; seeing that he is as competent as Sir Herbert Miles to report on questions connected with the Quartermaster - General's Department, will he explain why it is considered necessary to send Sir Herbert Miles to perform the duty of the Inspector-General; and will he say what the Inspector-General of Oversea Forces and his staff cost the country annually, in pay, travelling, and other allowances, including passages in men of war?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Inspector-General of Oversea Forces made certain recommendations in his Report on the administrative services of the South Africa, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone commands with a view to future economies, and Sir if. Miles has been sent to make inquiries into these matters, and is empowered to give decisions on behalf of the Army Council on the spot. The annual cost of the Inspector-General and his staff amounts to about £8,700. The cost of Sir Herbert Miles's mission may be estimated at about £3,000. It, is believed that this expenditure will be fully justified by the economies to be effected.
§ Colonel BURNIf the Inspector-General of the Oversea Forces is not able to perform this duty himself, is it necessary to appoint another officer who is on half-pay?
§ Colonel SEELYYes, I think it was necessary to appoint this officer to go into matters first brought to our notice by the Inspector-General, who has many other duties to perform. I would repeat that I am fully confident that the expenditure involved will be more than recouped by the economies effected.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWIf the Inspector-General is not considered competent to perform this duty, would it not be well to abolish the office?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir; certainly not. The Inspector-General has done most useful work, and continues to do so. He has now other duties to perform, and Sir Herbert Miles will go to complete the work he has begun, and call attention to certain economies which may possibly be effected.