§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)To ask the Secretary of State for War how many depôts, exclusive of Caterham, are now maintained for the Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry, respectively; also what is the total cost per annum, and the estimated daily cost per recruit (excluding pay) of these depôts.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEETo ask the Secretary of State for War what is the total cost per annum of the Caterham Depôt, and the estimated daily cost per recruit (excluding pay).
§ (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The figures are as follows:—
| Depôts. | ||
| Number. | Annual Cost. | |
| £ | ||
| Cavalry | 1 | 34,000 |
| Artillery | 15 | 178,000 |
| Infantry (Line) | 68 | 476,000 |
| Total | 84 | £688,000 |
| Foot Guards | 1 | £28,000 |
§ The estimated daily cost per recruit is, Cavalry 6s. 2d., Artillery 6s. 3d., Infantry (Line) 4s. 7d., and Foot Guards 2s. 10d. It should be remembered that the staff of a Line depôt is maintained to meet a number of contingencies beyond those of training recruits. The depôt superintends recruiting for the Army and the Militia, and has the charge of arms and clothing, including Militia clothing, during the non-training period, as well as of the stores of the depot. No accurate comparison is therefore possible between the Line and Guards' depôt.