HC Deb 08 March 1888 vol 323 cc587-9
SIR HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN (Durham, S. E.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the Army Estimates of 1887, Whether any progress has been made, and, if so, what, in carrying out the increase of the Field Artillery in guns, men, and horses, and in the formation of the 14 ammunition columns, on the understanding of the proposed, increase to which the House was asked last year to assent, to the great reduction of the effective force of the Horse Artillery, which was then stated to be essential to economy?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

The Field Artillery has been increased by three batteries; while 14 batteries, which, as was fully explained last year, might be converted on mobilization for foreign service into ammunition columns, have been reduced to the peace establishment of men, horses, and guns. But the Field Batteries for the First and Second Army Corps have been raised to the strength necessary for field service on mobilization.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL (Paddington. S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any increase, and, if so, what are the number of guns on the peace establishment of the Army?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Would the noble Lord allow me to say that that is a matter to be explained in debate.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

That is a matter of fact.

MR. E. STANHOPE

If the noble Lord will put this Question to me in the course of the debate, I will be very glad to give an answer to it. It involves many other points which cannot be dealt with in answer to a Question.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

The simple question is, whether there are more guns or fewer guns? and that is a question of fact.

MR. E. STANHOPE

This point arises at once—Does the noble Lord mean guns for the service of the Horse and Field Batteries, or does he mean, in addition, guns in reserve?

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

Guns for service.

MR. E. STANHOPE

Obviously the noble Lord raises a matter for debate.

SIR HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not there has been any actual increase in the number of guns and horses on the peace establishment of the Artillery?

MR. E. STANHOPE

No, Sir; there has been no increase in the number of guns of the Horse Artillery.

SIR HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN

In the Field Artillery?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Yes, Sir; there have been three Field Batteries added.

CAPTAIN COTTON (Cheshire, Wirral)

Arising out of this Question, I should like to ask whether the Field Batteries of the First and Second Army Corps are completed up to war establishment?

MR. E. STANHOPE

No, Sir. That is a totally different Question, as my hon. and gallant Friend must know perfectly well.