HC Deb 17 May 1900 vol 83 cc398-9
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the Lender Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to take further and immediate steps to bring up the Royal Reserve battalions and regiments to their proposed strength of 45,000 men.

* MR. WYNDHAM

Nearly 30,000 men have applied for enrolment in the Royal Reserve battalions, and applications are still being received. I am not aware that a strength of 45,000, nor, indeed, that any other limit, has been proposed.

MAJOR RASCH

As we have been informed that the defence of the country is not the duty of the Government or the War Office, might it not be handed over to the Primrose League?

[No answer was returned.].