§ MR. GODDARDTo ask the Secretary of State for War what will be the estimated increase in Estimates in each of the ensuing two years under the re- 760 armament scheme; what will be the increased charge for interest for money borrowed under the Military Works Acts for the same period; and what is the increase of charge for stores needed to keep up the standard recommended by the Mowatt Committee as compared with the average annual charge for the same purpose in the years preceding the appointment of that Committee.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) I hope I shall be able to propose the re-armament of the artillery upon the basis which I have already suggested to the House, viz., the completion in three years, which will involve an additional payment in the next two years of £1,250,000 in each case. I trust that the House will support me if I find it necessary to ask them to vote a large addition to Estimates which will be involved by the adoption of this course. I prefer, however, not to make a positive statement until the Estimates of next year are ready for submission. No increased charge will be required in connection with the Mowatt stores, but as a considerable stock of surplus stores and clothing existed from the war in South Africa, it was unnecessary to make the normal provision for upkeep in the Estimates 1904–1905. There will, therefore, probably be an increased provision as compared with 1904–1905 of—
| 1905–6 | £373,000. |
| 1906–7 | £649,000. |