§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE EARL OF LONGFORD, in moving that the Bill be now read the second time, explained that its object was to consolidate five statutes now in force in reference to the enrolment of out-pensioners, and to extend the operation of the Act of 1859, so as to enable the Crown to enrol discharged soldiers, including the present pensioners, in a Reserve Force, to the extent of 50,000 men. These were to be enrolled in two classes; the first to consist of those men who, from their age, might be regarded as more effective, and who would be enrolled under the special condition that they were to be liable to general service at home and abroad in the event of war or invasion. The second class would be enrolled as ordinary pensioners, and would be liable to serve at home only. The Secretary of State would have power to make regulations for the government of the force, to provide for the period of its training, and the appointment of officers. He would also be invested with a discretionary power to attach those men for training to any regiment of Militia. The regulations were to be laid before Parliament.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House To-morrow.