§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state what is the establishment of the Royal Garrison Battalion to be stationed in Malta, and what is its actual strength; how many of the men are married, how many children have they, and how many married quarters are available; and what provision will be made, and where, for the families who cannot be quartered in barracks.
LORD STANLEYThe establishment is 1,012 of all ranks, and the present strength 827. The exact figures of the numbers of wives and children are not to hand. There are thirty-nine married quarters now available, and thirty more will be available in July. Further arrangements are being made. Those families which cannot be accommodated in quarters will remain in England and be granted separation allowance.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEWill the noble Lord make inquiry as to the number of wives and children? This is a very important point.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSECan we have them in time for the debate on Monday?
§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)Can the noble Lord state whether there is any difference as regards the percentage of married men allowed in this regiment as compared with the percentage in ordinary regiments of the Line?
LORD STANLEYYes, Sir, there is a difference, but I cannot give the actual figures. I think my right hon. friend made them in his statement on the Estimates.