§ MR. BOORDasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will state what progress has been made in the formation of the new Corps of Ordnance Artificers, for which a sum of £4,800 is taken, for pay, in this year's Estimates; and, also, the number of men who have qualified, in accordance with the Deputy Adjutant General's Circular, dated the 16th May 1878; the number at present actually enrolled; and when he expects the corps will reach its full intended strength?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that the arrangements made in 1878 for this corps were not entirely successful; indeed, only 12 men volunteered. A different system has now been adopted, and it is expected that the corps will be fully established during the current financial year.