HC Deb 28 February 1884 vol 285 cc85-6
SIR HENRY FLETCHER

asked the Secretary of State for War, If he will lay upon the Table of the House a Return of battalions now stationed in the United Kingdom, stating the total strength of each such battalion on the 31st December 1883, and the proportion of men over twenty years of age, and otherwise unqualified for Foreign Service?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Sir, a rule was made by my Predecessor, in the expediency of which I fully concur, not to give the constitution of individual regiments or battalions. Position on the roster and many other reasons may cause a particular battalion to have more or less young soldiers, and to compare it with another battalion which is under different circumstances may be most misleading. I have no objection to give a Return, if moved for, of the strength of the Infantry as a whole; but, for the reasons stated above and for others which are obvious, I consider that it would not be for the good of the Public Service to show the constitution or strength of separate corps. This answer would, of course, apply also to the Question of the noble Lord the Member for West Essex (Lord Eustace Cecil).

SIR HENRY FLETCHER

gave Notice that he should move for Returns on this subject.

MR. TOTTENHAM

asked if there would be any distinction between the India and Home service?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, he believed all the information was contained in the Annual Report of the Army; but if the hon. Member wished to have it in a different form, it could be granted. There would be no objection to including India. He might add that he could not answer the Question which stood on the Paper in the name of the noble Lord opposite (Lord Eustace Cecil).

LORD EUSTACE CECIL

said, he really hoped the noble Marquess would not decline to answer his Question, which was, Whether he can give the strength of the Royal Irish and East Surrey Regiments, just ordered to the Mediterranean, and the number and age of the men in each regiment who would embark, under one year's service? The question was one of very great importance, because he had reason to suppose that three-fourths, or certainly one-half, of the soldiers sent to Egypt were men under one year's service and under 20 years of age. If so, this was contrary to the Regulations of the Service.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

My hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Sir Henry Fletcher), who put the Question on the subject just now, has given Notice to move for a Return, and that would be a more convenient opportunity. For the reason stated—but I do not mind repeating it—I object to give the information asked for.

LORD EUSTACE CECIL

For these regiments?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I object to give the composition of particular regiments. It would not be for the advantage of the Public Service.