MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the account on page 130 of the Army Appropriation Account, 1903–4, showing that under ten Army Votes the military expenditure in South Africa amounted in the year 1903–4 to £7,760,653; whether he is aware that this excludes headquarter administrative expenses, deferred pay and recruiting expenses, non-effective charges, and expenditure under the Military Works Acts; and whether he can say what sum is to be added to the £7,760,653 in respect of these four items, and what the total expenditure for the year was when these additions are made; and can he say what the similar total military expenditure on South Africa was for the year 1904–5, and what it is estimated to be for the year 1905–6.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.A note is appended to the statement referred to by the hon. Member to the effect that the items mentioned in his Question are not included in the statement. It is not possible to say how much of the expenditure incurred in any year on headquarter administration expenses, deferred pay and recruiting expenses or non-effective charges, was incurred on account of South Africa. The expenditure there under the Military Works Acts in 1903–4 was £1,424,000, and that in 1904–5 is estimated at £1,191,000. The probable expenditure under the Military Works Acts in 1905–6 cannot at present be stated.