§ Mr. KEATINGasked whether it has been decided that mayors of boroughs and others may be appointed as honorary lieutenant-colonels of Volunteer battalions; and whether the senior officers of such battalions, as well as their commanding officers, will be consulted before any such appointment is published, in order to avoid mistakes through personal considerations?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe commanding officer's recommendation for the appointment of an hon. commandant has to be endorsed by the County Commandant and approved by the Lord Lieutenant of the county. I think my hon. Friend will agree that this ensures adequate scrutiny. I have no doubt many commanding officers will consult the senior officers of their battalion, but it is not considered desirable to prescribe such a step.