MR. BRYN ROBERTS (Carnarvonshire, Eifion)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether ho can state approximately the number of men who have joined the Yeomanry, Militia, and Volunteer forces since the-invitation that was made to members of those forces to volunteer for service in 629 South Africa; whether, in view of the part played by the Militia and Volunteers on that occasion, and the excellence of their record in South Africa, the commanding officers of the various battalions will be ordered to parade their men to invite volunteers for service in rescuing the Legations in China; and whether the Yeomanry, Militiamen, and Volunteers now serving in South Africa are liable, under the terms of their engagement, to be sent to China for such service.
§ *THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. WYNDHAM,) DoverThe number of men who have joined the Militia since 1st December last is about 28,000; with regard to the Yeomanry and Volunteers, although I know that largo numbers have joined, I cannot give figures, because the War Office only receives complete Returns once a year. My noble friend, however, proposes to ask for more frequent Returns. There is no present intention of sending members of these forces to China; certainly no attempt will be made to send any there under the terms of their enlistment for South Africa.
§ *MR. WYNDHAMNo.