§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what number of recruits were enlisted into the Army in the first six months of 1903 and 1901 respectively; how many specials were enlisted in each period; whether all arms of the service were open to recruiting during both periods; how the recruits obtained in the present year compare in number with those obtained during a like period of 1898 and 1899, and how many specials were taken in those years.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe figures for the first six months are as follows:—
| Recruits. | Specials Under Standard. | ||
| 1898 | … | 18,569 | 5,615 |
| 1899 | … | 19,134 | 5,888 |
| 1903 | … | 20,445 | 1,307 |
| 1904 | … | 30,822 | 311 |
§ During the first six months of 1903 the Cavalry and Royal Horse Artillery were closed and the Royal Field Artillery for drivers: the Royal Engineers were closed in March, 1903, except for certain trades. In 1904 the Cavalry were closed for the first six months except for two regiments for a few weeks; the Royal Horse Artillery except for drivers in three districts and a levy of fifty gunners; the Royal Field Artillery were closed for drivers except for one depot and for gunners from the 28th March in four depots; and the Royal Engineers were 766 closed for sappers except for certain trades.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIs it not the case that in 1904 men were enlisted under much stricter limitations than before?