§ GENERAL FRASER (Lambeth, N.)asked the Secretary of State for War, in the event of it becoming necessary, in sudden emergency, to raise the Horse Artillery Batteries of the First Army Corps to war establishment, From what source he proposes to obtain the necessary horses and men; and, if from the Second Army Corps Batteries, in what condition these latter batteries would be left as regards numbers of horses and men?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)No batteries of the Second Army Corps would be drawn upon for the First Army Corps; and in the event of mobilization any deficiency in men would be made good from the Reserve. With regard to horses, it is the fact that economy prevents our maintaining a full establishment either for the Cavalry or the Artillery. The question of the best mode of supplying the necessary number of horses is engaging my earnest attention; but, in my opinion, it would not be solved by maintaining another battery of Horse Artillery on Second Army Corps strength.