§ EARL FORTESCUE, in moving for a Return upon the subject, said, that he and other sanitary reformers, years ago, represented to Lord Cardwell the concurrent testimony of the best medical authorities that our soldiers ran increased risk, in such a climate as that of India, if sent out under the age of 20. He had heard lately that a considerable number of lads had been sent out under that age; but he hoped the rumour would prove nearly, if not quite, unfounded. At the same time, it seemed to him highly desirable that the public should be officially informed of the true state of the case.
§ Moved for, "Return of the number of non- commissioned officers and soldiers below the age of 20 who have been sent to India from 1st January 1881 to 1st January 1882, giving the designations of the regiments to which they have been respectively supplied."—(The Earl Fortescue.)
THE EARL OF MORLEYsaid, that the present conditions under which drafts were sent to India almost precluded the possibility of soldiers being sent there under the age of 20, or until they had had a year's service in this country. Drummer boys and other lads employed in analogous capacities were, of course, exceptions to the rule. He would have no objection to supply the Return moved for by the noble Earl.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Return ordered to be laid before the House.