VISCOUNT BARING (Bedfordshire, Biggleswade)asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is true that the Militia is at present about 22,000 men under its establishment; and whether any steps are being taken to complete the force to its proper strength?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEIt is true that by the latest Returns the Militia was more than 20,000 men below its establishment. The reward for a Militia recruit has, therefore, been raised from 1s. 6d. to 2s. 6d., and I am glad to say the results 957 have so far been satisfactory. The effective strength of the Militia was raised by 1,687 men in January, and the increase continued during February.