§ MR. HANBURYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what was the number of recruits enlisted during the first six months of 1892 and 1893 respectively; and whether the Infantry of the Line is now below its authorised strength; and, if so, by what number of men?
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe recruits enlisted in the first six months of 1892 wore 19,683, or 18,202, if those for Colonial corps are excluded. During the same period of 1893 there were enlisted 16,472, or 16,288 without Colonial corps. The difference is partly accounted for by the restrictions placed on special enlistments. The Infantry of the Line at home and abroad, according to the latest Returns, was 1,417 below its authorised number.