§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Fist Lord of the Treasury in what manner, and when, it is proposed to obtain the approval of Parliament to the proposals of the Secretary of State for War for the division of the Army into a home-service Army and a foreign-service Army, and for the separation of the Volunteers into a first class on a large grant, and a second class on a reduced grant, and the reduction of the numbers by one-fourth; and if, having regard to the fact that the Estimates for the current year have for the most part been voted, he can give an assurance that no such change shall be made by Warrant or otherwise without full discussion in the House of Commons, and specific approval by Resolution or statute.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIn answer to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Forest of Dean†, who put an unstarred Question closely bearing upon this point, I observed that the Estimate for the War Office, if agreed to, seems to afford an adequate basis for any change not requiring, legislation which may be announced as in contemplation.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the debate will be taken?
† See page 254
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNext Monday.