§ 89. Colonel Sir A. SPROTasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that considerable anxiety exists on the part of many officers in the Regular Army at the present time on account of the proposed reductions in the strength of the Army; if he can reassure them by stating in what way, whether by offering inducements to retire or by compulsory retirements, this reduction is to be effected; and, if the latter, how the officers to be retired will be selected?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI am aware of, and sympathise with, the natural anxiety felt by officers, but the matter cannot be conveniently dealt with within the limits of a Parliamentary answer. I propose, in introducing Army Estimates, to explain the measures contemplated by His Majesty's Government. Every effort, consistent with the securing of essential public economies, will be made to mitigate hardship on individuals.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEECannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman arrange to have a statement made during Friday on the Supplementary Estimate in view of the intense indignation which prevails about this matter?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI do not know if it would be in order until the Army Estimates comes up.