§ MR BLACK (Banffshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will stale the number and annual cost of the British troops at present quartered in South Africa, as also the number and annual cost of the troops quartered there in 1893.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe figures are as follow: — 1893, 3,331, annual cost, £300,000; 1903 (present time), 33,500, £4,500,000. The numbers at present in South Africa are 4,000 in excess of those contemplated in the current year's Estimates, and they are being gradually withdrawn, as they can be spared, and as circumstances permit. This will reduce the annual cost by about £500,000, if it is found that all the Engineers and Army Medical Corps at present in excess of establishment in South Africa can be brought home.
§ MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir; housing is a separate capital charge on this country.
§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)What fund is the housing charged on?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order. That does not arise out of the Question.