MR. SULLIVANasked the Secretary of State for War, If he will inform the House how many recruits were obtained for the Militia during the year 1876, and what is the maximum age at which they are usually taken?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, in answer to the hon. Member's Question, I have to say that 38,437 recruits were enlisted for the Militia between the 1st of January and the 31st of December, 1876. Of these, 27,330 were from England and Wales, 3,720 from Scotland, and 7,387 from Ireland. Thirty-five years is the maximum age at which a recruit may be enrolled, 19 years is about the average age at which they are enrolled, and 23 years about the maximum age at which they are taken in any regiment.