HC Deb 31 May 1894 vol 25 cc14-5
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the occasion of the late Royal review at Aldershot the total strength of the Division was 17,600, and that only 11,600 men were on parade; that the deficiency of 50 per cent, is accounted for by sick 642, guard 187, recruits 815, and other duties 4,600; and whether the 4,600 men employed on other duties, such as servants, cooks, workshops, and clerks, who are not available for duty but who are returned as efficient, could be found by employing the Army Reserve?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, Stirling, &c.)

On May 17 the strength of the Aldershot Division was 17,864. Of these, 11,639 paraded, so that 6,225, or 35 per cent, of the strength, did not appear. Of the absent, 815 were recruits, 187 on guard, and 642 sick, leaying 4,581 to be accounted for. There were 414 at other stations on command, 100 were on leave, 338 were dismounted Cavalry and Engineers, 669 were men of the Army Service Corps and other services employed on transport and other corps duty; 1,578 men were at Pirbright for musketry practice, 545 were either attending classes, or in prison, or absent on other grounds; and the balance 937, were employed as clerks, servants, cooks, and in workshops. Reservists could possibly take the place of some of these 937 men, but it would be pro tanto an addition to the number and to the cost of the Army.

MR. HANBURY (Preston)

Is it a fact that there are 13,000 men who do not perform the duties of ordinary soldiers? What has the War Office done in regard to the recommendations of the Wantage Committee in this respect?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I must ask for notice of that question.

MR. HANBUEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the 900 men he has referred to were officers' servants? There have been great complaints as to the number of these servants.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I will inquire.