14 MARCH 1903, Page 2

Mr. Brodrick, who wound up the debate, stated very strongly

his approval of the demand that the whole question of the Volunteers should be inquired into by a Royal Commission. Mr. Brodrick went on to insist that camps were an absolute necessity for the Volunteers. He added, however, that he was far from saying that it might not be necessary to make some payment in this respect ; but if this were done, he pointed out that the character of the force would be completely altered. However, that was essentially a matter to be inquired into by a Royal Commission. For ourselves, we should have preferred to keep the Volunteers what they used to be, but if they are made to go into camp they ought to be paid, and paid liberally during the compul- sory days. But even then we would not drive out of the force the men who cannot attend camp.