Mr. ERSKINEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the growing practice in certain regiments of making it obligatory or, at all events, customary, on young officers, many of whom are quite unable to afford it, to subscribe to all sorts of objects from a sweepstake to gratuities to retiring noncommissioned officers and their wives; and whether, seeing that these burdens ultimately fall on the parent or guardian of the young officer, he will lay the matter before the Army Council with a view to its discontinuance?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am not aware that there is any such growing practice: it would be contrary to the letter and spirit of the King's Regulations for a commanding officer to permit it. If the hon. Member can furnish me with information about a specific case, it shall be inquired into.