22. Mr. ALAN SYKESasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to commanding officers of Territorial battalions by having their adjutants detailed to take the present horse census that is being made; whether he has considered how far the efficiency of the battalions suffers by the adjutants being repeatedly employed on this census instead of attending to their regimental duties, and how long he has so employed them; and whether he proposes to continue it?
§ Colonel SEELYQualified adjutants of Territorial Force units, as well as a number of Regular officers, were employed last winter and are being employed this winter in making a census of horses suitable for military purposes in certain defined districts. The size of these districts has been left to the discretion of the general officers commanding. Instructions were given that the employment of adjutants should not interfere with the performance of their other military duties. Adjutants will be continued on these duties. It is not considered that the efficiency of battalions suffers there from.
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir, they do not get extra pay—at least I do not think there is any case where they get extra pay. Of course, we endeavour to see that they do not suffer financially in any way through performing the extra work.
Mr. A. SYKESDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that recruiting must suffer if adjutants are taken away at the period of the year when all the commanding officers are trying to do their best to promote recruiting.
§ Colonel SEELYIn the instructions originally sent we impressed upon the general officers commanding-in-chief, that this duty should not interfere with the primary duty of the adjutants to battalions and regiments to which they are appointed. I believe that in all cases that is being carried out. If the hon. Gentleman has in his mind any particular case, I will be grateful to him if he will bring it to my notice.
§ Colonel YATEWere all travelling allowances paid to these adjutants?
§ Colonel SEELYAll proper travelling allowances are, of course, paid, and if there is any case in which that has not been done, I shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will bring it to my notice.