§ 69. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty propose to increase the Navy by approximately 7,000, the First Lord of the Admiralty will explain what is meant in the statement over his signature explanatory of the Naval Estimates, 1913–14, that in order to reach a total of 146,000 officers and men by 31st March, 1914, an addition is required to Vote A of 8,500; and will he give the number of officers and the number of men, respectively, included in the figure 8,500?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs I explained in debate, there has been a change of system. Last year's Vote, including the Supplementary Vote, was for the average number borne throughout the year, namely, 137,600. The number actually borne at the end of last year was, approximately, 139,000. This year's Vote is for the maximum number to be reached at the end of this year, namely, 146,000. The difference between 137,500 and 146,000 is 8,500. The difference between 139,000 and 146,000 is 7,000. The number of officers and men compared with last year can be seen from the Estimates.