§ SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)To ask the Secretary of State for War what course he proposes to pursue as to the publication of the Army Annual Preliminary Return and the Army Annual General Return for each year ending 31st December, 1899, 1900, and 1901 respectively; and whether there is any precedent for the non-publication of the strength and distribution of the Army as given in these periodical Returns for the information of Parliament.
§ SIR JOHN COLOMBTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Annual Preliminary Returns and the Army Annual General Return for the year ending 31st December, 1902, may be expected to be presented to Parliament before going into committee of Supply on Army Estimates for 1903–1904.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The composition of the Army Annual General Return is at present being carefully considered, in view of the efforts now being made to cut down Returns generally. Further, it is very improbable that accurate figures can ever be given for the period covered by the war. There is no precedent for such non-publication, but no war of such magnitude or of so prolonged a character has occurred since the Return was originated.
1483 I may add that it is doubtful whether the Preliminary Return will be published in future.