MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War can he now state the total of the military expenditure in South Africa for 1904–5, and its estimated amount for 1905–6, corresponding to the total of that expenditure of £7,760,653, shown to have been incurred in 1903–4; and can he state approximately the additional military expenditure incurred in 1903–4, 1904–5, and 1905–6, estimated respectively in respect of headquarter administrative expenses, deferred pay, and recruiting expenses, non-effective charges, and expenditure under the Military Works Acts.
§ * THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BROMLEY DAVENPORT,) Cheshire, MacclesfieldThe estimated figures for 1904–5 and 1905–6, corresponding to the figure of £7,760,653 for 1903–4 are £2,900,000 and £2,400,000 respectively, exclusive of the value of stores for which figures are not yet available. The figures for expenditure under the Military Works Acts are, so far as they are available, in 1903–4 £1,424,000 and 1904–5 £1,191,000, as given in the reply to the Question† recently put by the hon. Member. It would hardly be possible to estimate how much of the expenditure on headquarter administration and on the other items mentioned
† See page 819.1477 can be attributed to South Africa, and I could not undertake to give any approximate figures.