HC Deb 01 August 1882 vol 273 cc370-1
MR. GORST

asked the Secretary of State for War, What was the strength in men and horses of the seventh and eleventh companies of the Royal Engineers at Aldershot, after having supplied the companies of A and C troops and field park about to embark for Egypt with men and horses; whether the seventh and eleventh companies belong to the First Army Corps, and are considered ready for active service; and, what is the present strength in men and horses of the field batteries at Aldershot after supplying the two batteries of Field Artillery ordered on service with men and horses?

MR. CHILDERS

Sir, I do not conceive that it is my duty to state at any moment the exact strength of any particular battery or company of Engineers; but in answer to the hon. and learned Member's Questions I have to say that the four field batteries and the two companies of Engineers at Aldershot are under their strength, both in men and horses, after sending drafts to the batteries and companies going to the Mediterranean. The batteries are only slightly short in men, and I have authorized a large expenditure out of the Vote of Credit on horses. The 7th and the 11th companies of the Engineers have been considered to belong to the 1st Army Corps, and will be filled up gradually.

MR. JOSEPH COWEN

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If the Conference, or if any other of the great Powers, except England, has requested the Sultan to proclaim Arabi Pasha a rebel?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Yes, Sir; all the Great Powers.