COLONEL LONG (Worcestershire, Evesham)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, what number below establishment the cavalry, mounted artillery, garrison artillery, guards, and infantry, at home and abroad respectively were on 31st March, 1898; and, how many below establishment they respectively were on 31st March, 1899.
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. GEORGE WYNDHAM, Dover)I assume that the honourable and gallant Member wishes to know the progress made during the year towards the ultimate establishments aimed at, which were given in the Estimates for 1898–9, but not in the Estimates for 1897–8. The ultimate establishment for the cavalry of the line is 18,559; for the horse and field artillery, 21,144; for the garrison artillery, 22,717; for the foot 589 guards, 8,705; for the infantry of the line, 148,272. On the 31st March, 1898, the cavalry of the line was 822 below this establishment. On the 31st March, 1899, 501 below it. The horse and field artillery fell short by 2,805 in 1898, and by 2,085 in 1899. The garrison artillery 3,293 in 1898, and 2,138 in 1899. The foot guards 1,948 in 1898, and 1,274 in 1899. The infantry of the line 12,421 in 1898, and 8,135 in 1899.