HC Deb 07 May 1891 vol 353 cc266-7
ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is a fact that Volunteer Artillery Corps, if below their maximum established strength on 31st October, 1890, will not receive the Equipment Grant of 23s. for such men as may be afterwards enrolled to complete to full strength, whilst at the same time it will be payable to any Volunteer Corps which shall receive permission to increase its established number; and whether it is a fact that Artillery and Engineer Volunteers only receive 5s. towards the provision of equipment under Special Grant of last year, as against 12s. awarded to Infantry Volunteers; and, in such case, what is the reason for so large a distinction?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, Horncastle

Equipment Grants will only be given in future in the cases of authorised increases of establishment or formation of new corps. In all other cases the equipment must be met from the annual Capitation Grants of 2s. allowed for great-coats for each man so enrolled, and of 1s. for accoutrements for every enrolled Volunteer. The difference between the amounts granted last year to Infantry Volunteers and Artillery and Engineer Volunteers is due to the difference in their equipment, which is considerable.