§ LORD HENRY BRUCE (Wilts, Chippenham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will inform the House what is the number of men under the present reduced standard the Regular Army is still short of; what is the number of men the Militia is still short of, and how many captains of companies in this branch of the Service are deficient; and what is the number of men the Yeomanry is still short of, and how many officers in this branch of the Service are deficient?
§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question may I ask how many men beneath the standard chest measurement, height, and weight were recruited in 1890?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)The European regiments and corps are short of their establishment by 1,657 men, which is a smaller number than is to be expected at this season, when the drafts for India have recently started. Colonial corps are nominally deficient 2,391 non-commissioned officers and men, but some of the corps have not yet been raised. The deficiency in the Militia amounts to 23,731 non-commissioned officers and men; and there are 102 captains' commissions vacant. The Yeomanry is short by 94 officers and 3,389 non-commissioned officers and men of the full establishment. In reply to the hon. Member for Preston (Mr. Hanbury) I may say that the number of recruits enlisted below the standard in one or other of the above particulars is, exclusive of men enlisted at the headquarters of regiments, 7,975.
§ MR. HANBURYWas the number 6,000 in 1889?
§ MR. BRODRICKI think it was rather less.