HC Deb 13 February 1902 vol 102 cc1236-7
SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, having regard to the reduction by Lord Kitchener of the total expenses of the Field Force in South Africa to about £2,500,000 per month for pay, food, and transport, he can generally state the amount of the Home charges per month for the force in South Africa and under what main heads they are incurred, and to what extent Lord Kitchener is consulted upon the subject.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

The main Home charges are as follows:—

Sea Transport £600,000
Horses and Mules 400,000
Provisions and Forage 700,000
Clothing 200,000
Stores 200,000
Miscellaneous, e.g., Officers' pay, Separation Allowances, etc. 400,000
Total £2,500,000
It is the business of the Home authorities to supply the Army and to meet all Lord Kitchener's requisitions, but he is not consulted as to the home charges in respect of these services, nor do I think it would be right to lay such an additional burden upon him.