§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what would be the cost of raising the pay of the British soldier in the regular forces to a minimum of 1s. a day clear of all deductions; and, whether, in consideration of the difficulty now experienced by the private soldier in meeting necessary expenses and subscriptions, and further, with a view to increase the men's comfort and the attractions of the service, he will be willing to propose the suggested increase of pay in the forthcoming Estimates?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANA similar proposal was made by the Committee over which Lord Wantage presided, and which reported in 1892. The cost of that scheme was stated in a return laid before Parliament to be for the British establishment £809,000, and 1254 for the Indian establishment £394,000, together £1,203,000 a year. The proposal received the fullest consideration at the time, and the decision was that it was not necessary to incur this large expenditure. Nothing has since occurred to affect in any way that decision.