HC Deb 01 April 1881 vol 260 cc460-1
SIR JOHN KENNAWAY

asked the Secretary of State for War, What is the total strength of Her Majesty's Forces of all arms now serving in Natal and the Transvaal; and, whether, in view of the state of affairs subsisting there at present, the Government will consider the advisability of delaying the de- parture of troops from thence until the Royal Commission has made its Report?

MR. CHILDERS

Sir, in reply to the hon. Baronet, I have to inform him that he is entirely in error in assuming, as the second part of his Question does, that we are withdrawing troops from South Africa. When the peace negotiations were concluded, there were in Natal and the Transvaal eight regiments of Infantry, two of Cavalry, and three batteries of Artillery. The number which we have decided to retain there for the present is ten regiments of Infantry, four of Cavalry, three batteries of Artillery, and other branches of the Service, making up a force of above 12,000 men. What we have done in consequence of the conclusion of the arrangemets is to intercept two Infantry regiments on their way from the Mediterranean, one on its way from Ceylon, a battery of Artillery on its way from this country, and some drafts. On the other hand, we have strengthened the garrison at the Cape by another battalion. There will be thus 12 regiments of Infantry, four of Cavalry, and four batteries in the two South African commands, besides Engineers, Army Service, and Army Hospital corps.

SIR JOHN KENNAWAY

asked, whether any regiments had been sent from Natal?

MR. CHILDERS

I have stated that we have intercepted two regiments from the Mediterranean, neither of which had arrived at its destination, one from Ceylon, which had reached Durban a few days after the negotiations had taken place, and a battery of Artillery which had arrived at St. Vincent. But the forces in South Africa have been increased by the regiments I have mentioned.

MR. R. H. PAGET

asked, if the intercepted regiments were on their way home?

MR. CHILDERS

One is on its way home, another is relieving a regiment from the Mediterranean which will come home, and a third has gone back to Ceylon, which is its present station.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

asked, whether the 7th Hussars were to be brought home?

MR. CHILDERS

No, Sir; I forget how many squadrons have actually arrived; but the whole regiment will be retained.