§ MR. PIRIETo ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state the average annual cost to the public of each private soldier in the Line on a peace footing, including in such cost, pay, deferred pay, gratuities and allowances, travelling expenses, outfit, uniform, and equipment, maintenance, rations, fire and light, but exclusive of interest on the cost of barrack and manoeuvring accommodation; what is such average annual cost in the case of the private soldier in the Militia, and what of each individual Volunteer; and whether, in view of the higher degree of efficiency now expected from Volunteers, an increased grant is in contemplation by His Majesty's Government.
217 (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) As regards the first part of the Question, the hon. Member will find the information he requires in the reply given to a similar Question put by the right hon. Member for Exeter on the 7th ultimo.† As regards the Militia and Volunteers, the figures there given included the cost of the permanent staff employed in training them; if this item be omitted the totals would be less by £6 and £1 10s. 6d. respectively. Considerable increases in the camp allowances were made last year to meet the additional training. No general increase is in contemplation.