§ MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the ultimate total of the automatic increase in the Army Astimates before any actual reduction of Estimates can begin.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.I am afraid it is impossible for me to give with any degree of certainty figures in regard to what the Army Estimates will be several years hence. The automatic increase or decrease must depend largely upon factors which cannot be calculated at the present time.
§ MR. LAMBERTBut cannot the right hon. Gentleman give the amount of the ultimate increase?
§ * MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI am afraid not.