HC Deb 04 February 1897 vol 45 cc1277-8
SIR JAMES FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government, as reported, to add two battalions to the brigade of Guards, and to station certain battalions of the brigade in a Mediterranean garrison; and whether any other additions to the Army are contemplated?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

It will be gathered from the Estimates presented to Parliament that it is intended to add a battalion each to the Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards, and to station three battalions of the Guards in the Mediterranean. It is also proposed to add a battalion to the Cameron Highlanders, which is the only single-battalion regiment in the Army. It is further intended to raise an additional regiment of Malta Artillery and to add a battalion to the West India Regiment, while the Garrison Artillery will be increased by 3,400 men. One field battery to complete the equipment of three army corps will also be raised. The Estimates, with a memorandum from the Secretary of State fully explaining these increases, will be in the hands of Members to-morrow morning.

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the employment of the Guards on foreign service in time of peace is intended to be exceptional, or whether it is intended to place them permanently on foreign service?

MR. BRODRICK

This arrangement has been put forward by the military authorities as being the best and most economical scheme of meeting the needs of the Army. Its operation will require to be carefully watched, and should the effect on recruiting in the Guards be other than that which we are led to expect the whole position will be reconsidered. I need hardly say that we have no intention of doing anything to alter the historic character of the Guards. ["Hear, hear!"]

SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

asked when there would be an opportunity of discussing the matter on the Army Estimates?

MR. BRODRICK

said the right hon. Gentleman must ask the First Lord of the Treasury that question.

MR. McLEOD (Sutherland)

asked if the right hon. Gentleman could say where the Cameron Highlanders were to come from, seeing that the Government refused to introduce legislation to keep Highlanders in the country? [An HON. MEMBER: "Ireland."] [Laughter.]

MR. BRODRICK

I hope they will come from the same source of recruiting as at present.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any intention of establishing a battalion of Irish Guards?

MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir. [Irish ironical cheers.]