Hon. DOUGLAS ABBOTT (Minister of National Defence) moved that the house go into committee at the next sitting to consider the following resolution:
That it is expedient to introduce a measure to amend the Militia Act whereby provision will be made for a permanent force of officers and men in number as may be authorized by the governor in council, and for the employment during the period of demobilization of such members of the military forces as may be deemed necessary for the orderly carrying out of such demobilization.
He said: His Excellency the Administrator, having been made acquainted with the subject matter of this resolution, recommends it to the consideration of the house.
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The bill to be founded upon the resolution will contain only two sections. One will amend section 22 of the Militia Act, to remove the present limitation of 10,000 placed upon the permanent force, and authorizing such number as may be authorized from time to time by the governor in council. The second section will amend section 63 of the act by adding a subsection to provide that members of the militia who are now on active service within the terms of the Militia Act, and who continue to be employed for a time in demobilization, may continue to receive the present rates of pay and allowances, including dependents' allowance, though they cease to be on active service within the terms of the Militia Act; and will be subject otherwise to the same provisions as though they were on active service, except for matters of discipline.
Motion agreed to. '