§ MR. RENTOUL (Down, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will state, in the case of the new Line battalions now being raised, what are the approximate total expenses of supplying the band with instruments and furnishing and equipping the mess with necessaries; whether those expenses have to be borne by the officers of each new battalion, or does the Government defray thorn or make any contribution towards them; and if any contribution is made by Government, what is its amount.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMThe cost varies in different regiments, but is believed to amount, on the average, to about £1,000. The contribution from the Government is £500. The question whether this contribution should be increased is under consideration.