HC Deb 23 July 1901 vol 97 cc1326-7
* MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Parliamentary Paper on the requirements of the Army, which has just been issued,* foreshadows any *The document referred to is Command Paper (1901) No. 607, and is as follows:— PAPER BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE, LAYING DOWN THE REQUIREMENTS FROM OUR ARMY, DATED 1ST JUNE, 1891. Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered the question of the general objects for which our Army is maintained. It has been considered in connection with the programme of the Admiralty, and with knowledge of the assistance which the Navy is capable of rendering in the various contingencies which appear to be reasonably probable, and they decide that the general basis of the requirements from our Army may be correctly laid down by stating that the objects of our military organisation are— (a) The effective support of the civil power in all parts of the United Kingdom. (b) To find the number of men for India which has been fixed by arrangement with the Government of India. (c) To find garrisons for all our fortresses and coaling stations at home and abroad, according to a scale now laid down, and to maintain the garrisons at all times at the strength fixed for a peace or war footing. (d) After providing for these requirements, to be able to mobilise rapidly for home defence two army corps of Regular troops and one modification in the details of the new Army scheme; and, if so, in what respects.

MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir. The Paper was laid on the Table because it was referred to in debate, and its publication was promised in another place.

* MR. ARTHUR LEE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that this Paper is apparently ten years old, he will consider the advisability of publishing a similar Paper in which the objects of the Army shall be brought up to date?

MR. BRODRICK

If my hon. friend will do me the honour to read my speech on introducing the Estimates, he will find the fullest information there.

* MR. ARTHUR LEE

I do not think that in that speech the right hon. Gentleman dealt with the question of the garrisons of fortresses at home and abroad.