§ SIR HARRY VERNEYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will consider the propriety of increasing the efficiency of the Army by filling up the Home Battalions of Regiments, in India or elsewhere Abroad, to the strength of say 800 men, which would supply the drafts made from the Battalion, without too much weakening it?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe subject of increasing the low-strength battalions has of late engaged considerable attention. When the Army Estimates are distributed, the hon. Baronet will see that all the low-strength battalions have been raised to an establishment of 600 rank and file, which, with a depot of 50, is regarded as a sufficient strength to supply the draft, without unduly weakening the Home Battalion.