42. Major HENDERSONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that since the issue of the Army Order, dealing with the Special Reserve, about April of last year, no steps have been taken to reconstitute this force as Militia; that many battalions are without 2155 commanding officers, and that some are also without seconds in command; and that the great lapse of time which has occurred is making it increasingly difficult for those concerned to persuade officers, who originally sent in their names for new Militia commissions, to maintain any interest in the question; and whether he will take steps to revive the force at an early date?
§ Sir R. SANDERSA short Bill, dealing with the change in title from the Special Reserve to Militia, will be necessary, but I hope that it may be possible to open recruiting during the coming autumn. In the meantime, steps are being taken to select officers for the command of battalions which are to be retained, and which at present have no commanders.
§ Sir R. SANDERSI hope so, but I cannot say for certain.