§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what was the strength of the Volunteer Force on 1st January, 1903, on 31st October, 1903, and 1st January, 1904; what was the strength of Volunteer officers (combatant) on 31st October, 1903, and 1st February, 1904; and how many vacant commissions are there in the force.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe figures are as follows: All ranks, 1st January, 1903, 250,990; 31st October, 1903, 253,284; 1st January, 1904, 241,280. Officers, 31st October. 1903, 7,215; 1st February, 1904, 7,097. At the present date there are 2,385 vacant commissions (combatant), including 182 seconded and supernumerary officers.