HC Deb 20 February 1899 vol 66 c1431
MR. COGHILL (Stoke-upon-Trent)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what is the reason why the additional batteries of artillery, promised last Session by the Secretary of State for War, have not been raised; and at what date may their full establishment be looked for?

MR. WYNDHAM

It was stated in the memorandum of the Secretary of State relating to the Army Estimates, 1898–99, that the formation of the 15 new batteries of Field Artillery would be spread over three years, and I am able to say that live batteries will have been raised by the 31st March next. It is intended to raise the same number in each of the two succeding years.

MR. COGHILL

Will the live batteries be fully equipped as regards men?

MR. WYNDHAM

Yes.

MR. WARNER (Lichfield, Staffs.)

And as regards horses, too?

MR. WYNDHAM

Yes, Sir, five batteries will be raised in every sense of the word.