HC Deb 03 July 1900 vol 85 cc399-400
*MR. M'KENNA (Monmouthshire, N.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether there was any reduction in the strength of artillery or diminution in the store of ammunition during the three years from July, 1892, to June, 1895.

*MR. WYNDHAM

This question does not admit of a single reply. The changes made in the artillery of the last ten or twenty years embrace changes not only in the number of units but in the number also of men and guns. The hon. Member had much better ask for a Return, which I shall be quite prepared to grant.

*MR. M'KENNA

My question is clear —whether there was any reduction in the strength of artillery or diminution of stores in a specified period.

*MR. WYNDHAM

I quite see the object of the question. We all recollect there was a diminution of stores. But I put that on one side. What does the hon. Member mean by the rest of his question; does he mean a reduction of batteries, of guns, or of men? He will get the information much more clearly if he will allow me to give it by way of Return.

*MR. M'KENNA

What was the information given to the Colonial Secretary, on which he based some recent observations?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!