HC Deb 26 March 1860 vol 157 cc1240-1
GENERAL PEEL

said, he rose to move an Address for Returns of British Regimental Establishments for 1860–61, of all ranks; of Effectives, 1st day of April, 1860, of all ranks; of Indian Establishment for 1860–61; of Effectives, 1st day of April, 1860; of total number of Embodied Militia, 1st of April, 1860 of all ranks; and, of any transfers that might have been made, or of which notice had been given, from Indian Establishment to British, not shown in the Estimates.

MR. SIDNEY HERBERT

said, that he had no objection to the early part of the Returns moved for by the hon. and gallant Member, and he took that opportunity of stating that owing to the return of some regiments from India, a considerable portion of the augmentation announced would not be carried into effect, because the regiments returning would absorb the number of men so voted, and would constitute a much more effective force than that which had been contemplated, which was merely an augmentation to make shift until these regiments returned. He wished also to state that though he had got a Vote for the men, he had got no Vote for the Money, and as the financial year ended on Saturday, it was necessary that the House should provide means to enable him to go on until after Easter, when the Estimates would be discussed. Therefore, as he apprehended that the House would not object to grant him Votes on account without discussion, and when the Estimates were again brought forward there would be ample opportunity for discussion on the part of those Gentlemen who had given notice of submitting any subject to the consideration of the House, he proposed to take the Votes on account on Wednesday, and to reprint the Estimates so that the House might clearly understand what stood for the year. With regard to the Returns now moved for, he had no objection to them with the exception of the last portion relating to transfers from Indian Establishment to British, because that would appear in the Estimates, and it would, therefore, be unnecessary to give it now.

MR. DISRAELI

said, that there could be no objection to the right hon. Gentleman taking the Votes on account, but it would be convenient to the House if some idea were given of the nature of the changes in the arrangements, and whether they would affect the general Estimates before the House.

MR. SIDNEY HERBERT

said, the changes will not affect the general totals.