§ 26. Captain STREATFEILDasked the Secretary of State for War what intention he has regarding Militia units?
§ Commodore KINGThere is no intention at present of reconstituting the Militia infantry battalions.
§ Captain STREATFEILDIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there are a great many officers on the establishment of the Special Reserve or Militia who have held pre-War commissions and are at present in receipt of an annual gratuity, who do no training whatsoever?
§ Commodore KINGThe supplementary officers are constituted Militia officers.
§ Captain STREATFEILDDoes not this practice of giving gratuities for no service whatever constitute a great and unnecessary expense to the taxpayer?
§ Commodore KINGThe Supplementary Reserve officers are liable for mobilisa- 1163 tion under certain special conditions, and therefore their pay is in the nature of a retaining fee.