§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the paragraph in his statement which describes the Field Artillery as hitherto "inadequate," and proposes, by a rearrangement of the depôts, to raise seven additional field batteries, what is meant by an allusion to an increase of the number of guns available "by 42;" whether the number is arrived at by counting seven field batteries at six guns; whether the batteries, in fact have six guns fully horsed in time of peace; and what is the increase in the number of guns to be kept fully horsed over the present number if those avail able from the depots at the present moment are counted in the list?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANYes, Sir; the number of field artillery batteries is increased from 38 to 45; that is, by seven batteries of six gun each. All the batteries have six guns; but the 32 batteries on the lower establishment, which are the last for service have only four guns horsed, the other two being kept in battery store charge at their stations ready for horsing when required. The increase of guns for active service is, therefore, 42; but 14 of these are found by the disestablished depôts, leaving 28 to be provided other wise.