§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state what number of men of the Army regular forces, whose period of service has now expired, will have to be brought back at once from South Africa, India, and elsewhere, on discharge; and whether any measures are to be taken, in addition to those which have already 691 been taken in India, to retain with the Colours any men who would otherwise take their discharge.
(Answer.) It is not possible to give accurate figures, and further, I do not think it would be expedient to publish them. Measures are being taken to retain men with the Colours in India.—(War Office.)