HC Deb 29 March 1906 vol 154 c1530
COLONEL KENYON-SLANEY (Shropshire, Newport)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in 1901, under the title of the Lancashire Royal Field Artillery, the experiment was tried of forming a brigade of three batteries of field artillery, of which one-third consisted of Regulars, who-formed the permanent nucleus of the brigade, and two-thirds of Militia, who came up for two months training annually; whether this brigade is still in existence; and, if so, what have been the results of the experiment as regards both gunnery and general military effectiveness; and what is its annual cost as compared with the cost of a brigade of Royal Field Artillery.

MR. HALDANE

The brigade to-which the hon. and gallant Member alludes is still in existence. The reports have been satisfactory, especially in view of the amount of training received. The-annual cost of the brigade is £21,000, and of a' brigade of Royal Field Artillery on the lower establishment is £40,000.

COLONEL KENYON-SLANEY

Is it proposed to continue this experiment?

MR. HALDANE

At this moment we have no intention of making any change, the whole question is, however, under consideration.

* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

Is it not the case that for years the statements on the Estimates have not corresponded with the facts? Do they do so again this year? Was there not money taken for a much larger body than was kept up?

MR. HALDANE

As my right hon. friend knows, there is very often a discrepancy, but we are endeavouring to put the thing into shape.