HC Deb 02 May 1901 vol 93 cc414-5
MR. O'MARA (Kilkenny, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number recruited for the Regular Army (infantry, cavalry, and artillery), and for the Militia, respectively, during the months of January, February, March, and April this year, and the increase or decrease on the similar figures last year.

MR. JOHN CAMPBELL

I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of recruits enlisted during the present year as compared with the corresponding four months of the past year, also the physical standard for recruits obtaining at the present time, the previous standard, and when and why the change was made.

LORD STANLEY

In reply to these questions, the numbers for the first four months of this year are not yet available. All information as regards the standards will be found in the Report of the Inspector General of Recruiting recently presented to Parliament. There has been no change since the period of that Report.

MR. O'MARA

Can the noble Lord give me any idea at all of the figures? I want to know how recruiting has been going on this year. I am asking for the number of recruits for the Regular Army in January, February, March, and April.

LORD STANLEY

And I have said the figures are not available.

MR. O'MARA

Can you give me them for January?

LORD STANLEY

No; that is one of the first four months.