§ Major BREESEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by and financial expense 1780W involved to Colonial officers who, having journeyed at their own expense to this country after the outbreak of war, volunteered their services, were granted temporary commissions in the Army, but whose pay ceased upon the date mentioned in the "Gazette" of their being allowed to relinquish their commissions on ceasing to be employed, thereby necessitating an interval of several weeks, during which hotel and other expenses are incurred, before a date can be arranged for their free passage back to the Colonies; and if he can see his way to affording them some measure of relief by extending the period of their pay to the date of their arrival in the Colonies, or, alternatively, to the actual date of embarkation for their passage home?
Captain GUESTMy hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. Officers who undertake to embark from the United Kingdom at the earliest opportunity retain their commissions and continue to draw pay during their period of waiting and for the voyage. It is only those who wish to defer their departure and to terminate their service at the first opportunity, who relinquish their commissions on ceasing to be employed. The choice is entirely at the officer's option, and it is not proposed to make any change.