See HC Deb, 3 March 1881 vol 259 c200
Lord Childers: 'In the second place, we propose that the terms of enlistment should remain 12 years, as now, but that the period with the colours should be seven instead of six years...'.
See HC Deb, 1 August 1881 vol 264 c435
Lord Childers: 'The Bill is a very simple one, and it has been in print for some time. [Regulation of the Forces Act.] It contains certainly two important clauses – one to enable the Chelsea Commissioners to grant certain pensions... and the other to enable the Crown to increase the Reserve by allowing men, after their 12 years' engagement, to volunteer for four years more into a second Reserve.
See HC Deb, 11 July 1881 vol 263 c620
Lord Childers: 'The only clause of importance was the 5th, which related to the Reserves, and which enabled a second Reserve to be formed for four years of men who had completed their 12 years' engagement. The remainder of the Bill would not require much discussion.'.
