§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state how many regiments of the Militia volunteered for active service and were sent to South Africa in the months of February and March, 1900; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the last regiment of Militia which was sent to South Africa arrived there at the end of March, 1900; can he say how many regiments of Militia have been sent home and how many regiments are at present under orders for home, and why, when the other irregular troops—Yeomanry.
† See preceding volume, page 66.579 English and Colonial Volunteers—have been sent or are being sent home, and when South African Volunteers have been allowed to take their discharge, the Militia are detained in South Africa.
§ MR. BRODRICKThirty-one Militia battalions volunteered and proceeded to South Africa (including St. Helena) between 11th January and 31st March, 1900. Since 2nd March, 1901, ten battalions have proceeded in relief of a similar number, of which four have returned, four are on their way home, and two are under orders to leave. The Imperial Yeomanry, English Volunteers, and most of the colonial corps which have been disbanded have been replaced by others. The remainder of the Militia will return as soon as Lord Kitchener can spare their services.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAnd how many battalions are at present out there?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe same number as went out—thirty-one.