§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will say whether the garrison regiments now stationed in the Mediterranean are under orders for South Africa; and, if so, what is the reason for this change of quarters; what are the stations in South Africa to which these regiments are being sent; and what will be the increased cost of these garrison regiments in South Africa as compared with ordinary regiments.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThese garrison battalions are under orders for South Africa and will be quartered at Pietermaritzburg (until quarters are ready at Pretoria), Standerton, Bloemfontein, and Harrismith. It was found impracticable to house more than a few of their families in Malta and Gibraltar, and it was, therefore, held to be preferable in the best interests of the men and their families to remove them to South Africa. The additional cost of a garrison battalion in South Africa as compared with a line battalion is about £20,000 a year; but against this a saving of £10,000 a year now paid as separation allowance to the families which cannot be accommodated in the Mediterranean should be set off.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEWhat is the percentage of married men?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERVery large. In one case there are, I believe, 300.