§ MR. YERBURGH (Chester)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to keep a force mobilised and ready for embarkation; and if so, whether he will state its number and composition.
LORD STANLEYThe reply to my hon. friend is in the negative. If he will consider the necessary uncertainty of the country in winch the force may have to operate, and the corresponding variations in its composition, equipment, clothing and transport, he will understand that his suggestion, to be made effective would have to be carried out on a very large and varied scale.
§ MR. YERBURGHAre we to understand from that reply that it is not intended to keep any force of any size whatsoever ready for embarkation without having to mobilize?