HC Deb 26 July 1898 vol 62 cc1304-5
MR. PIRIE

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, on the assumption that recruiting for the Army continues at the same rate as in the last quarter, which is the period during which the new enlistment regulations have been in force, he would inform the House what is the date computed by the authorities for the completion of the increase to the Army, consideration being given to the approaching efflux of men from the Army recently predicted by the Secretary of State for War?

MR. BRODRICK

It would be undesirable to give a hypothetical date for completion of the increase on the Army based on so brief an experience of the new conditions, nor is it fair to assume that recruiting during the June quarter affords a criterion of the progress which may be expected during the rest of the year.