§ MR. H. H. FOWLERasked the Secretary of State for War, If he would state what will be the difference in the number of officers and men under the proposed scheme for Army Reorganisation as contrasted with the number of officers and men for the years ending 31st March 1874 and 31st March 1880; and, whether there will be any, and, if any, what increase in the ordinary expenditure for the Army under the new scheme as compared with the ordinary expenditure for the years ending 31st March 1874 and 31st March 1880?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, the first part of nay hon. Friend's Question is more easily answered than the second. The Estimates of 1873–4 provided for 5,204 officers and 117,612 men, and those for 1879–80 for 5,166 officers and 122,611 men. The normal numbers when the scheme which I have explained to the House is in full operation will be 4,717 officers and 120,102 men. There will be also a reduction of officers on the Indian Establishment, the men being unchanged; the entire reduction of officers on the active list being 491, and on the active and retired lists together 2,135. With respect to charge, it is more difficult to give the result in a few words. We are now bearing a steadily increasing charge on account of officers and men who entered the Army more than 20 years ago, and no changes made now will for some time affect this part of Army expenditure. Thus, the entire charge for the personnel of the Army was in 1873–4 estimated at £6,800,000, and in 1879–80 £7,180,000, and that portion of it which refers to the pensions of long-service men will probably increase by £200,000 before it reaches its maximum. But, as I stated the other day, the ultimate reduction effected by my proposals on the charge for the personnel of the Army, compared with that charge under the Warrant now in force, is estimated at between £600,000 and £700,000.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORDoes that include the non-effective men?
§ MR. CHILDERSYes, Sir.