SIR FREDERIC SMITHI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether there is any truth in the report that it is intended to diminish the strength of Her Majesty's Forces now serving in Canada by withdrawing two battalions of Guards now serving there?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI stated, Sir, last Friday evening, that it was intended to bring home two battalions of the Guards and one battalion of the Military Train, without relief. As I believe, the chief reasons for this arrangement are that a very heavy expenditure is now being incurred in the hire of buildings for the use and accommodation of the troops in Canada, and it is very desirable to reduce that expenditure as soon as practicable. It is also thought advisable to give an opportunity to Sir Fenwick Williams to concentrate the troops in Canada, which are now scattered over a long line of frontier. But, further, it is considered that by keeping such a number of Guards in Canada it would be impossible to form a brigade of Guards at home sufficient for service, in case they should be required to serve in any other quarter.