§ SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOTI wish to ask the Secretary of State for War a Question with regard to the proposed increase of the Army. I see in The Times today that the Army is to be increased by 15,000 men. I should like to know, whether that statement in regard to an addition of 15,000 men is a correct statement; and, whether that is in addition to the proposed 131 increase of 3,000 men, which, is the figure stated in the Estimates?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON,in reply, said, that when he laid on the Table the Vote of Credit for the operations in progress in Egypt and the Soudan, it would be necessary to ask for a number of men in addition to those asked for in the Supplementary Estimates. He was not, however, now prepared to say what that additional number of men would be.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEasked the noble Marquess when the Supplementary Estimates and the Vote of Credit would be brought forward?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, he could not state with certainty. He believed it would be necessary to go on with Supply on Monday and Thursday; but it would depend upon the progress that was made. The Army Estimate would be taken after the Navy Estimate was disposed of. The Vote of Credit had not been prepared yet.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEasked the Prime Minister, whether the Vote of Credit would be taken before the end of the financial year?