§ In the first place, I cannot help looking back to what was said on the same 368 occasion a year ago. We sketched then a very considerable measure of reform, which it was anticipated would affect, and is affecting, every department in the organisation of our Army. I do not say that anything which has occurred has given us reason to go back in any respect on that programme. Our experience for the year has fortified us in the position which we took up. But I must ask for some measure of consideration if, under the special circumstances of the year, we are not able to show that our progress has been as great as it otherwise might have been. It must be obvious that any measure of reorganisation carried out in time of war is subject to considerable limitations. We have not only had to consider the war which has been carried on, but a number of circumstances—which I do not propose to discuss or to argue upon —every one of which has made a heavy strain on the time of this House and upon the energies of the Department, have intervened since last year to seize upon our attention and to modify in some respects what we could do for the organisation of the Army. I only name these subjects to recall them to the memory of the House.