§ MR. GREERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is a fact 987 that the Militia Reserve consists of an actual twenty-five per cent. of the nominal strength, and includes a large number of non-commissioned officers not on the permanent staff; whether it is also a fact that, when the Reserve men are taken away, each battalion loses so many of its best men as to render it practically ineffective for months afterwards, if embodied; and, whether he will reconsider the determination of calling on the Militia Reserves?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe Militia Reserve, when full, comprises in numbers 30 per cent of the establishment of gunners in Artillery corps, and 25 per cent of the establishment of sappers or privates in Engineer or Infantry corps. It includes in ranks a large number of volunteer sergeants. The withdrawal of this body from the Militia reduces for the time, and until their places can be filled by recruiting, the efficiency of the Militia. The Militia Reserve is maintained at a considerable cost for the express purpose of being withdrawn for Army service when required.